PRESS RELEASE
The Association of Resident Doctors, Delta State University Teaching Hospital (ARD DELSUTH), wishes to inform its members, the medical community and the general public that following a virtual Emergency Congress held on Thursday, 13th August 2026, Congress resolved to suspend the indefinite strike earlier scheduled to commence on Friday, 14th August 2026, over the recent assault on one of our members.
The decision followed a careful reappraisal of the significant progress achieved at the extensive stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday, 12th August 2026, where the concerns and demands of the Association received considerable attention.
At the meeting, appropriate apologies were tendered, compensation adjudged satisfactory was provided, and firm assurances were given by the relevant authorities towards the identification, apprehension and prosecution of the alleged assailants.
ARD DELSUTH particularly appreciates the pivotal intervention of the Executive Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, Hon. (Pst.) Christian O. Onogba, whose leadership and commitment towards finding an acceptable resolution contributed significantly to the progress achieved.
We equally acknowledge the important role played by the Management of DELSUTH, ably led by the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Harrison Okoro Abedi, whose sustained engagement and intervention contributed immensely towards resolving the crisis.
The Association profoundly appreciates the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Delta State Branch, Dr. Ighovo Oghenetega, whose support throughout this period was invaluable. His physical presence and active participation at the stakeholders’ meeting lent significant institutional weight to the concerns of ARD DELSUTH and demonstrated the readiness of the State NMA leadership to stand with doctors when their safety and dignity are threatened.
We further appreciate the constructive response of the Oghara community and its traditional leadership under His Royal Majesty, Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, JP, FCA, Uku Oghara Na’me, Orefe III, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, whose chiefs represented the Palace at the stakeholders’ engagement and contributed towards the progress achieved.
The Association also recognises the invaluable contributions of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oghara Youth leadership, and other stakeholders whose interventions helped create the conditions for meaningful dialogue and resolution.
Congress, having considered these developments, believes that the significant progress made deserves to be reciprocated in good faith and has therefore suspended the impending industrial action.
Speaking on the development, the President of ARD DELSUTH, Dr. Aghogho Ufomata Isaac, described the outcome as encouraging and a demonstration of what can be achieved through firm but constructive engagement.
“Our objective was never confrontation. We sought justice for our member, safety for our doctors and a lasting framework for peaceful coexistence. Stakeholders have responded meaningfully, and Congress has reciprocated in good faith.”
Dr. Isaac expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who intervened, while reiterating the expectation of the Association that the outstanding commitment to identify, apprehend and prosecute the alleged assailants will be fulfilled as promised.
This remains important not only in securing justice for our member but also in demonstrating unequivocally that violence against doctors and other healthcare workers will not be tolerated.
We sincerely hope that this unfortunate episode marks a turning point in the relationship between healthcare workers at DELSUTH and the host community. Our desire remains an environment founded on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and cooperation, where healthcare professionals can live and work without fear and DELSUTH can thrive and fulfil its enormous potential as a tertiary healthcare institution.
ARD DELSUTH remains committed to constructive dialogue, industrial harmony and the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of Delta State.
We chose engagement. Stakeholders responded. Congress has reciprocated.
We sincerely appreciate our members, professional colleagues, stakeholders and all well-meaning individuals who stood with the Association during this period.
