Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State branch, has suspended its ongoing strike action following recent developments surrounding the alleged assault and harassment of medical personnel by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Prime Business Africa reports.
The decision was reached during an Emergency General Meeting of the association held virtually on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The industrial action was triggered by the controversial incident involving Professor Eyo Ekpe and other healthcare workers at UUTH, which sparked outrage within the medical community and led to nationwide reactions from the NMA and other professional bodies.
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In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the association said Congress resolved to suspend the strike with immediate effect, directing members to resume duty from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of NMA in Akwa Ibom State, Aniekan Peter, and the branch Secretary, Ighorodje Edesiri.
The association said the suspension followed what it described as significant progress made through engagements involving key stakeholders, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Akwa Ibom State Government, the leadership of the EFCC and the national leadership of the NMA.
According to the communiqué, the interventions culminated in the planned inauguration of a committee on May 20, 2026, to address and prevent future assaults on healthcare workers, as well as the public apology issued by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede over the incident.
Congress described the apology by the EFCC chairman as “unprecedented” and a major demonstration of accountability, noting that the actions taken represented a collective victory not only for doctors in Akwa Ibom State but also for healthcare workers across Nigeria.
The association also commended the solidarity shown by other healthcare unions, including Joint Health Sector Unions and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, saying their support strengthened the advocacy efforts of the medical association.
The doctors further praised members of the association for their unity, resilience and sacrifice throughout the industrial action, while also commending the State Officers’ Committee led by Professor Aniekan Peter for defending the resolutions of Congress.
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Despite suspending the strike, the association stressed that all demands and resolutions previously made by Congress remained active and would continue to be pursued through ongoing engagements with relevant authorities.
Members were urged to resume work promptly and maintain high professional standards while ensuring compliance with approved workplace structures and duty schedules.
The suspension of the strike is expected to restore full medical services at UUTH and other affected health facilities in the state after days of tension generated by the confrontation between EFCC operatives and healthcare workers.
The development also signals a de-escalation of tensions between the anti-graft agency and the medical community, following concerns that the dispute could negatively affect healthcare delivery and industrial relations within the public health sector.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
