The National Industrial Court, Abuja division, has ordered the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to suspend its ongoing nationwide strike.
The doctors commenced strike on August 1 to protest against inadequate allowances, irregular payment of salaries, among others.
The judgment was passed after the federal government filed a lawsuit against the association, asking the court for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining members of NARD from continuing with the industrial action.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice John Targema directed all parties in the suit to suspend all forms of hostilities and return to status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
“Having looked especially on the affidavit of extreme urgency, the grounds of the application, the affidavit in support of same and arguments of counsel for the applicant. I also weighed the submissions and arguments of counsel on the law as it stands on this application.”
“It is hereby ordered that claimant/applicant and the defendant/respondent suspend all forms of hostilities forthwith pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice,” he held.
The judge further ordered that a hearing notice be issued and other processes be served on the defendant, including the originating summons.
Adding that the proof of service should be kept in the case file before the next adjourned date.
Targema adjourned the matter to September 15 for a hearing of the motion on notice and/or any other pending application on its merit.
