From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apologised to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) following the recent altercation involving operatives of the anti-graft agency and officials of the hospital.
The apology followed the intervention of the Akwa Ibom State Government, which successfully mediated in the dispute and secured the suspension of the industrial action earlier declared by health sector unions.
The resolution was reached at the end of a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government on Friday at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo.
The outcome of the meeting was disclosed through the official social media handle of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udo.
The meeting, held on the directive of Governor Umo Eno and chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, brought together representatives of the state government, EFCC, security agencies, management of UUTH, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and other key stakeholders in the health sector.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable,” with stakeholders condemning the confrontation that heightened tension within the state’s healthcare system.
According to the communiqué, all parties agreed that the altercation should not have occurred and stressed the need for improved coordination between security agencies and health institutions.
The EFCC delegation at the meeting expressed regret over the incident and apologised to all affected parties, including the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Emem Bassey; Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Eyo Ekpe; JOHESU Chairman, Mr. Akanubong Asuquo; NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter; and representatives of the nurses’ union.
The commission further assured stakeholders that a formal apology would also be issued by its headquarters, while pledging that such an incident would not recur.
As part of the resolutions reached, the EFCC and UUTH management agreed to establish stronger communication channels to ensure lawful and professional handling of any ongoing or future investigations involving the institution.
Stakeholders also urged security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to due process when dealing with healthcare facilities, warning that disruptions to medical services could endanger lives.
The meeting reaffirmed the sanctity of hospitals and stressed the need to protect patients, healthcare workers, and visitors at all times.
It was also resolved that the Akwa Ibom State Government would participate in efforts to identify individuals allegedly linked to fake medical reports connected to the incident, with assurances that anyone found culpable would face justice.
The state government commended the EFCC Chairman for ordering an investigation into the matter, as well as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for setting up a panel of inquiry.
In a major outcome of the meeting, health sector unions agreed, after consultations with their congresses, to suspend the strike action in the interest of public health and industrial harmony.
The communiqué further directed all parties to refrain from media exchanges capable of escalating tensions, while a liaison committee comprising representatives of the state government, UUTH management, EFCC, and health unions would be constituted to monitor the implementation of the resolutions.
