Following a 48-hours ultimatum deadline issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State Chapter, over the kidnap of their colleague, Prof. Uwadinachi Iweha, aged 75, doctors have embarked on strike commencing from today, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. till further notice.
Announcing the strike in a press conference held at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, the doctors led by their Chairman, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu noted that they resolved to down tools because the doctors’ lives and safety can no longer be guaranteed in the state.
However, the doctors will continue to render emergency services while the search for Dr. Iweha continues.
Dr. Okwuonu restated a call on Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu led government to ensure that Iweha is released and future occurrence are averted, maintaining that doctors live and security matters.
“With the kidnap and continued detention of our colleague, we are not assured of our health and well-being as doctors in this environment”.
“Today, 14th of June, The Nigerian Medical Association have commenced a withdrawal of medical services in both private and public sectors to register its displeasure on this unfortunate incident”
All Facts Newspaper had reported that the doctors on Friday, June 10 embarked on a peaceful protest to the state government house in Umuahia, demanding the release of Dr. Iweha who was kidnapped in front of his house on Sunday, June 6. READ HERE
Meanwhile, the Abia State government in a statement signed by Barrister Eze Chikamnayo, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy noted that “we are currently deploying all necessary measures and resources to secure the release of Prof Iweha”.
The statement read;
The attention of the Abia state Government has been drawn to the barbaric and unfortunate kidnapping of Prof Uwadinachi Iweha, a 74 years Fellow of International College of Surgeons who has served our Dear State and humanity meritoriously as the CMD of ABSUTH as well as Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre respectively.
The security conscious Governor of Abia State, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu PhD, is particularly pained by this dastardly act given the age and fragility of health of this Distinguished Abian.
In the last seven years, under the present Government, the Medical Community and indeed all Abians have enjoyed peace and security through the pragmatic and proactive approach of Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu. In this particular instance, Government is leaving no stone unturned .
We are identified with the Nigerian Medical Association, the family and other Stakeholders at this critical time and urge all Stakeholders to work quietly together at this stage towards guaranteeing the safety of Prof Uwadinachi Iweha and other citizens in the custody of these evil men.
By the grace of God, as a responsive Government charged with the responsibility of Security and welfare of Abians everywhere, we are currently deploying all necessary measures and resources to secure the release of Prof Iweha .
We therefore, appeal to all citizens to remain calm and maintain the peace while we diligently do the needful.
