The National Industrial Court in Abuja, has fixed September 17 to deliver ruling on different submissions made by counsel representing both the striking members of Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors ( NARD) and the Federal Government. The parties however, have made their intention of going back to the negotiation table known in the open court in order to end the industrial dispute. Earlier, counsel to the Resident Doctors, Femi Falana informed the Presiding Judge, Justice Bashar Alkali of his application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter. He argued that whenever issues of jurisdiction are raised, it takes priority over any other motion therefore his application should be heard first. But counsel to the Federal Government, Tochukwu Maduka objected saying that his motion on contempt committal which seeks to send the doctors to prison for disobeying the order of the court should be considered first. But, Falana assured the court that the doctors are ready to cease hostility and return to negotiation table. After listening to both counsel, Justice Alkali adjourned the case till September 17 to deliver ruling on the issues raised by the parties advising them to reach amicable solution for the interest of the country. The Federal Government in its part approached the court through an ex-parte motion praying for some orders which include an interlocutory injunction restraining the doctors in all states of the Federation from sustaining the industrial action embarked upon since August 2nd.
