The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Benue branch, has officially embarked on an indefinite strike and they’re pointing fingers squarely at Governor Hyacinth Alia.
After issuing a 21-day ultimatum, the doctors say they’ve run out of patience.
According to the association, the state government has ignored their welfare for years. Their grievances include:
- 25 months of unpaid CONMESS arrears
- 43 months of unpaid hazard allowances
- Many years without proper regularization of appointments
- Collapsing working conditions across state-owned health facilities
In a strongly worded statement, the doctors described the situation as a direct indictment of the governor’s leadership.
“Any serious government that owes doctors for years cannot expect a functioning health system,” the association said, adding that while huge allocations flow into Benue, the very people saving lives have been abandoned.
The doctors didn’t mince words: “That is not neglect, it is failure.”
Governor Alia, who has often boasted about development under his administration, is now facing mounting criticism. The striking doctors say he is not just mishandling the health sector, he is actively running it into the ground.
As the strike begins, patients in Benue’s public hospitals face an uncertain future. And unless the government moves fast, this indefinite action may only be the beginning.
