The planned strike action by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Edo State has suffered a major setback, as emerging facts within the healthcare community indicate that the proposed industrial action is unjustifiable, ill-motivated, and lacking in merit.
At the heart of this development is the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose deliberate investments in workers’ welfare and sweeping reforms in the state’s health sector have weakened the rationale for any strike. Through open-door engagement, timely interventions, and proactive welfare policies, the government has addressed core labour concerns while fostering a culture of dialogue and mutual respect between the state and its workforce.
In a significant development, the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN) has publicly distanced itself from the proposed strike, expressing confidence in the ongoing negotiations between the government and various health unions. The association reaffirmed its commitment to its professional responsibilities and pledged to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery across communities in the state.
In a statement, ACHPN clarified that it is affiliated with the National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), which remains actively engaged in constructive dialogue with the state government. The group commended the administration for proactive measures such as the release of a promotion circular and the continued resolution of welfare issues through negotiation rather than confrontation.
The position of ACHPN has further exposed the fragility of the planned protest and its underlying political undertones. Stakeholders within the health sector and civil society are increasingly questioning the timing and motives behind the strike, describing it as a veiled attempt to discredit a government that has demonstrated tangible progress in addressing workers’ welfare.
Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has placed healthcare at the core of his human development agenda. His administration has ensured prompt salary payments, rehabilitated health institutions, and embarked on major infrastructure renewal projects. Thousands of health workers have benefited from promotions, regularized appointments, and improved working conditions.
Observers have described the governor’s style as firm but humane — a balance of administrative discipline and genuine empathy. By prioritizing dialogue over confrontation, his administration has created a new culture of respect in government–labour relations, in sharp contrast to the tone of hostility that has characterized similar disputes in the past.
Consequently, the credibility of the planned strike is rapidly crumbling under the weight of facts. The government’s continued commitment to negotiation, the positive responses already achieved, and the willingness of key associations to engage constructively indicate that the strike lacks both moral and professional justification.
Political analysts argue that the planned action is less a legitimate labour struggle and more a politically orchestrated attempt to disrupt a settled industrial conversation. By refusing to be drawn into unnecessary conflict, groups such as the ACHPN have demonstrated maturity and loyalty to their professional oath, putting the health of Edo citizens above political theatrics.
The Okpebholo administration has maintained its focus on fair engagement and sustainable reform. With improved working conditions, enhanced dialogue mechanisms, and visible progress in the health sector, the state’s record speaks for itself.
Public sentiment has also shifted in alignment with the government’s stance. Many Edo residents, who have witnessed visible improvements in healthcare delivery, view the planned strike as a politically motivated distraction rather than a genuine struggle for workers’ rights.
Governor Okpebholo remains undeterred, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, dialogue, and excellence in public service. While some may seek political mileage through agitation, his focus remains on building a resilient, accountable healthcare system that prioritizes the welfare of both workers and citizens.
In the final analysis, the planned strike by the MHWUN appears increasingly exposed — a protest without moral foundation, driven by ulterior motives and challenged by the reality of sustained government commitment. In Edo State today, progress is speaking louder than propaganda, and truth is steadily eclipsing politics.
