Nurses’ Strike: Exercise Little Patience with Health and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Ali Pate, CON
Alhaji Sanusi Baban Takko, the Chairman, Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA), overseeing the Development of the Upper Benue River Basin Authority, covering Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States, has appeal to nurses nationwide to exercise more patience with the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, as they pursue their demands aimed at the general welfare and well-being of their members across the country.
Declaring a nationwide strike by nurses at this period of our national life will undoubtedly cause collateral damage to millions of patients and the entire healthcare ecosystem. It is crucial to consider the far-reaching consequences of such actions.
Notably, under the visionary and dynamic leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Professor Ali Pate has made significant strides in transforming the health sector within a short period of two years. This transformation has positively impacted millions of Nigerians, and it is essential to acknowledge and appreciate these efforts.
Using this opportunity I urge and continuesly appealing to the entire leadership of Nigerian nurses to sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue. As Dr. Mike Murdock aptly puts it, “The seeds of progress grow best in the soils of peace.”
The UBRBDA Governing Board Chairman implores both parties to adopt peaceful means of resolving disputes and misconceptions. As former American President Ronald Reagan once said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to resolve conflict by peaceful means.”
As healthcare professionals, the leadership of Nigerian nurses and healthcare givers must remember the Hippocratic oath they swore to uphold, which prioritizes the welfare and well-being of the Nigerian masses. Prolonging the strike will exacerbate the health challenges faced by millions of Nigerians, leading to avoidable loss of precious lives.
As someone from the same senatorial zone as Professor Ali Pate, Barayan Bauchi attest to his exceptional leadership qualities and passion for serving the greatest number of people. On behalf of the good people of our constituency, I request that the National Leadership of Nurses in Nigeria allow more time to resolve the present impasse amicably, rather than resorting to further industrial action or strike.
The Barayan Bauchi commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms in the health sector, particularly the appointment of Professor Ali Pate, which has brought about significant positive changes within a short period. His vast wealth of experience as a cerebral health expert and global exposure has been instrumental in transforming the health sector for the common good of all Nigerians.
With continued support from stakeholders in the health sector, Barayan Bauchi is optimistic that greater feats and transformations in the health sector will be achieved. Many milestone achievements have been recorded in the nation’s health sector, including notable reforms initiated by Professor Ali Pate, such as the enhancement of welfare packages for Nigerian nurses, which has significantly boosted their morale and productivity within a short span. This remarkable progress is a testament to the Minister’s commitment to taking the health sector to global standards, comparable with advanced nations’ healthcare systems.
In conclusion, as we navigate this critical phase under the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I pray that the Almighty God will intervene and bring an end to this strike, restoring peace and normalcy to our healthcare system. I also call on all stakeholders to continue to support the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, as he strives in the transformation of our nation’s health sector that will be a thing of the past.
Alhaji Sanusi Baban Takko (Barayan Bauchi) is the
Chairman, Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority.
