The Elegant Nurses Forum has accused authorities in Ogun State of attempting to intimidate and victimise a nurse allegedly assaulted while on duty at the Judiciary Staff Clinic in Ilaro, warning that any move to transfer the health worker while investigations are ongoing would amount to victimisation.
The group also raised fresh allegations of workplace abuse and sexual harassment within judiciary health facilities across the state, calling for an independent investigation into the claims.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum alleged that the handling of the assault case had raised concerns that efforts were being made to suppress calls for accountability instead of ensuring justice.
According to the statement, several nurses working in judiciary staff clinics across Ogun State had contacted the organisation following reports of the alleged assault, claiming they had experienced intimidation, workplace abuse, humiliation and sexual harassment.
The forum said the reports pointed to what it described as a hostile work environment where nurses allegedly endure abuse in silence for fear of punitive transfers or other forms of victimisation.
The ENF disclosed that it had received voice recordings, photographs and other materials from affected workers but had deliberately refrained from making them public.
It said, “The Elegant Nurses Forum is in possession of information, voice recordings, photographs and other materials submitted by affected persons.
“We have deliberately chosen not to release these materials because our objective is not to embarrass individuals or institutions but to ensure that justice is done and lasting reforms are implemented. However, let no one mistake our restraint for weakness.”
The organisation further alleged that some judicial officers in parts of Ogun East and Ota had demanded inappropriate body massages from nurses under circumstances suggesting abuse of office and sexual harassment.
“One particularly disturbing allegation repeatedly brought to our attention is that some judicial officers in parts of Ogun East and Ota have allegedly demanded inappropriate body massages from nurses under circumstances that raise serious concerns about abuse of authority and sexual harassment,” the statement read.
The forum maintained that if the allegations were established through an independent investigation, they would amount to gross abuse of office and serious violations of professional ethics.
The group also raised concerns over the conduct of the Administrative/Area Court Registrar of the High Court, Ilaro, Mr. Omololu Davies.
According to the ENF, information available to it suggested that Davies had previously been transferred from Ogun East to Ilaro under disciplinary circumstances.
The organisation urged the appropriate authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the transfer and determine whether any previous complaints against the official had been adequately investigated.
It further alleged that the same official had continued to harass female members of staff, including married women, at his present posting, insisting that the allegations required a prompt, transparent and impartial investigation.
Citing Sections 17, 34 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, the forum argued that every Nigerian is entitled to dignity, protection from degrading treatment and humane working conditions.
It also referenced international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as International Labour Organization standards, saying they prohibit workplace violence, discrimination and harassment.
“It would be a tragic irony if those entrusted with interpreting and upholding the law become associated with conduct that undermines the very principles of justice they are sworn to protect,” the statement added.
The organisation called for an independent investigation into the alleged assault on the nurse, an immediate halt to any attempt to intimidate or transfer the victim, and a broader probe into allegations of sexual harassment and workplace abuse in judiciary clinics across Ogun State.
It also appealed to the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations and international bodies to intervene.
The forum further urged the World Health Organization and other international health partners to review engagements where there was credible evidence that healthcare workers were being subjected to systematic abuse or victimisation.
“The Government of Ogun State must understand that respect for nurses is not optional.
“Nurses are licensed professionals who devote their lives to preserving human life. They deserve protection, dignity, respect and justice, not intimidation, harassment or victimisation.
“The Elegant Nurses Forum remains committed to pursuing every lawful and democratic avenue available until justice is achieved.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. An injury to one nurse is an injury to the entire nursing profession,” the statement added.
The allegations by the forum had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report, while the Ogun State Judiciary and the officials mentioned in the statement had yet to respond to the claims. PLATFORM TIMES reports that efforts to obtain their reactions were ongoing.
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