Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, NARD’s president, stated this during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs program on Channels Television. He emphasized that the union’s stance remains firm unless the National Executive Council (NEC) makes a different decision.
This development follows an interim injunction issued by the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which barred NARD and its officials from proceeding with the strike. The court order came after the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a lawsuit against the association and two of its leaders, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman and Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim. Justice E. D. Subilim granted the injunction in the case marked NICN/ABJ/06/2026.
Despite the court’s ruling, Suleiman insisted that the doctors are undeterred. He accused the government of acting in bad faith, pointing out that NARD had previously suspended a strike in November 2025 after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“We signed the MoU on November 27, and the strike was initially set for December 27. NEC extended the deadline, and we gave more time at the start of the year. Then, just today, I started seeing reports on social media about a court injunction and ‘no work, no pay’ directives,” Suleiman said.
He criticized the government’s approach, saying, “When negotiations are ongoing, they should be conducted in good faith. Resorting to legal threats shows a lack of sincerity.”
When asked if NARD would proceed with the strike despite the court order, Suleiman confirmed that the action would continue unless NEC decides otherwise. However, he noted that discussions with the Federal Government are still ongoing and expressed hope for a resolution before the strike begins.
“We are in active talks with the government. I believe that between tonight and Sunday, significant progress can still be made,” he added.
