The Cross River State government has condemned the strike by the Nigerian Medical Association following the kidnapping of two of its members in the state.
He called the strike unfortunate, unfortunate and hunger strike.
This was received by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr. Christian Ita, on Monday in Calabar, the state capital.
The leadership of the NMA in Cross River declared an indefinite strike on November 18 over the alleged kidnapping of Dr. Joshua Omini and Dr. Ekpo Egong.
Ita said the government’s response since the abduction of several unfortunate people, including two doctors, had been strong, robust and comprehensive.
He said, therefore, that the government does not deserve the reaction of the medical association.
“Although the Cross River government refuses to politicize the actions of the NMA, suffice it to say that it launched a manhunt immediately after the incident.
“The government is using all security agencies in an effort to apprehend the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
“A day earlier, a similar kidnapping on the Ekomita and Uyanga axis of the Calabar-Ikom road was reported, and the victims were rescued in record time.
“Since the last incident, anyone who has traveled the road will attest that the entire Uyanga forest is swarming with security operatives.
“These operatives have achieved commendable successes, including the arrest of key dramatis personae who are assisting in the ongoing operations,” he said.
As Ita pointed out, there was no society completely free of crime, but what mattered was the government’s response.
“In this case, the government’s response has been swift and complete.
“The government is determined to rescue the victims and eliminate this scourge once and for all.
“So what the government needs at this point is help and not blackmail. Security is everyone’s responsibility, including the NMA,” he added.
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