The Imo State Governor has appealed to staff of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, who have embarked on an indefinite strike, to sheath their swords and get back to work.

Governor Okorocha made the appeal on Tuesday at the medical centre in Owerri, the Imo State’s capital, south-west Nigeria.

He expressed concern over the lingering crisis of about seven weeks, maintaining that quality health care remained a key factor in the economic development of any society.

Okorocha acknowledged the fact that some of the FMC workers’ reasons for strike was genuine, but he urged them to get back to work for the sake of poor Imo State citizens in need of proper health care.

He promised them that the government would meet with the management of FMC, to discuss how the problems bothering the staff would receive immediate attention.

A staff, Uchenna Ibe, on behalf of the striking workers, acknowledged the presence of the Governor and his quest to solve the lingering problem.

He insisted that the best option was for the Medical Director, Angela Uwakwem, to be removed from office over allegations of financial misappropriation, gross misconduct, highhandedness and victimisation.

The striking workers at the FMC Owerri comprise of the National Union of Allied and Health Professional, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, all in the FMC Owerri chapter.