Nurses attached to Ogun State Judiciary have accused judicial personnel of being in the habit of sexually harassing them and bullying.
The nurses under the umbrella of an association, Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF), aired their grievances via a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide in which it alleged that bullying, intimidation, sexual harassment, oppression and abuse of nurses working in judiciary clinics across Ogun State, have become habitual in the state.
The forum said it has faced persistent complaints from nurses across several judiciary clinics following its earlier public statement on the alleged mistreatment of a nurse at the High Court Clinic in Ilaro.
“The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) strongly condemns the disturbing pattern of bullying, intimidation, sexual harassment, oppression and abuse of nurses working at judiciary clinics across Ogun State,” the statement read partly.
It went further: “Following our previous public statement concerning the treatment of a nurse at the High Court Clinic, Ilaro, we have continued to receive several complaints from nurses attached to other judiciary clinics across the state. The reports coming to us paint a disturbing picture of a work environment where many nurses are treated without dignity, respect or regard for their professional roles.
“Several nurses informed the Forum that the level of disrespect and disregard they face daily has become unbearable. According to the complaints received, some judicial staff regularly assign nurses to perform menial duties that are completely outside their professional responsibilities. Nurses are trained healthcare professionals, not domestic workers or personal assistants.”
The ENF also claimed that some female nurses had been subjected to inappropriate requests by judicial staff: “Even more disturbing are allegations that some judicial staff invite female nurses into their offices and demand that they provide body massages. Whenever these inappropriate requests are politely declined and the individuals are advised to seek the services of qualified physiotherapists, massage therapists or masseuses at appropriate health facilities, some of the staff reportedly become hostile, accuse the nurses of being rude, or resort to intimidation and victimisation. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable.
“The Forum is particularly alarmed by repeated allegations of bullying, sexual harassment, intimidation and abuse of authority by some judicial staff. Every worker deserves to carry out their duties in an environment free from fear, harassment, humiliation and exploitation. Nurses should never be subjected to degrading treatment simply because they are committed to serving humanity.”
The group concluded by calling on the leadership of the Ogun State Judiciary to launch an immediate investigation into the allegations saying: “Sexual harassment is not a workplace culture that should be tolerated or excused. It is an abuse of power, a violation of human dignity and an attack on the safety and wellbeing of female professionals.”
