The National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja Division has ordered the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to suspend its ongoing strike nationwide and go back to work.
The order which was given by a NIC judge, Justice John Targema, in his ruling on Monday follows an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government, for the court to adjudicate on its industrial dispute with the resident doctors.
The judge also asked all parties in the suit to suspend all forms of hostilities and maintain status quo, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
In the order paper signed by the court registrar, Diana Eko, the judge was quoted as saying, “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.’’
Meanwhile, the national leadership of NARD says they have not received any court judgement.
According to Channels Television, Justice Targema gave the order for the doctors to suspend the industrial action after considering the grounds of the application, especially on the affidavit of extreme urgency, as well as the affidavit in support of same and arguments of counsel for the applicant.
He also looked at the submissions and arguments of counsel on the law as it stands on the application before giving the order.
The judge, thereafter, adjourned the case until September 15 for a hearing of the motion on notice and/or any other pending application on its merit.
In addition, the judge ordered that a hearing notice be issued, and other processes be served on the defendant, including the originating summons.
He also directed that the proof of service should be kept in the case file before the next adjourned date.
