Strike: Resident Doctors Defy Court, Appeal Ruling

NARD in its statement said, “As we are all aware, especially those that were present in court today (Friday), the NIC has given a ruling on the application for interlocutory injunction filed by the Federal Government. We are not satisfied with the ruling.

“After consultations with our lawyers, we have instructed our lawyers to appeal the ruling and file an application for stay of execution.”

Recall that in its ruling, Justice Bashar Alkali ordered the resident doctors to suspend their ongoing industrial action and return to work immediately, pending the determination of the substantive suit brought by the federal government.

Justice Alkali who ruled on an application by the government had also directed parties in the matter to return to the negotiating table, saying no amount of money could compensate for the loss of lives as a result of the impasse.

NARD accused the court of denial of a fair hearing by refusing to hear and determine its Notice of Preliminary Objection (NPO) before taking the government’s application for interlocutory injunction.

It expressed its displeasure with the court’s decision and instructed its lawyers to file necessary processes, rather than ask members to return to work.

The association said, “We are committed to protecting your rights within the confines of the law. We believe justice shall be ours ultimately.

“Also, our lawyers drew the attention of the court to our application for stay of execution of the ex parte order and that the court should take that application first. The court insisted that the government application would be taken first.

“On 15/9/21, the court ordered all parties to resume negotiations. The government refused to resume negotiations in line with the order of 23/8/21. Our lawyers reported this development to the court. We have demonstrated good faith and would continue to do so.’’