Okpebholo slams health workers’ strike as unjustifiable, ill-timed

By Jethro Ibileke

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described the seven-day warning strike declared by the State Council of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) as unjustifiable.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Governor alerted the public to the warning strike, which commenced at midnight on Friday, 17 October 2025.

Governor Okpebholo condemned the strike, describing it as ill-timed, unpatriotic, and unjustified. He said the industrial action was taking place despite ongoing meaningful negotiations between the union and the state government.

He attributed the strike to the refusal of the government to succumb to what he termed unlawful financial demands by a few “greedy members” within the union’s leadership.

According to the Governor, the union leadership has been in continuous engagement with the government regarding their demands, and a follow-up meeting had already been scheduled for Monday, 20 October 2025.

He noted that many of the issues raised by the union were inherited from the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

While asserting that the strike lacked merit, Okpebholo alleged that it appeared to be driven by ulterior motives and personal financial interests known only to a few individuals in the union’s leadership, to the detriment of the general membership.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been drawn to a statement issued by the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Edo State Council, announcing the commencement of a seven-day warning strike across the state, beginning Friday, 17 October 2025.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the issues raised by the union were largely inherited from the past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

“However, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has shown genuine commitment to addressing these inherited concerns in a phased, transparent, and responsible manner.

“Among the union’s demands is the renovation of the Doctors’ Quarters, which is already receiving the attention of the state government, alongside other welfare-related matters.

“It is, therefore, shocking and disappointing that the union’s leadership would hastily declare a strike, claiming government insensitivity, when the present administration has demonstrated open-mindedness, good faith, and a proactive resolve to improve the health sector.

“This abrupt decision by the union leadership not only undermines ongoing dialogue but also exposes a lack of sincerity and respect for the negotiation process.

“By dragging innocent and hardworking health workers into this industrial action, the union’s leadership is placing the lives of poor and helpless Edo citizens—especially those in need of urgent medical attention—at grave risk.

“Such actions amount to a betrayal of the noble principles and ethics of the medical profession, particularly the Hippocratic Oath, which places the preservation of human life above all else.

“No responsible government can fold its arms while a few individuals hold the lives of its citizens hostage for personal gratification.”

Governor Okpebholo, however, assured that the state government remains committed to dialogue and partnership with all stakeholders in the health sector to ensure industrial harmony and improved service delivery.

He urged all responsible and patriotic health workers in the state to disregard the strike directive and continue rendering essential services to the people.