The industrial action declared by health sector unions in Akwa Ibom State following the controversial altercation between operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and officials of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), has been suspended after the intervention of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The resolution was reached at a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the state government at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo, following directives by Governor Umo Eno.
The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, brought together representatives of the EFCC, the management of UUTH, security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and other stakeholders in the health sector.
The crisis stemmed from an incident involving EFCC operatives at UUTH, which sparked tension within the hospital and prompted industrial action by health workers across the state.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable”, while condemning the altercation.
Representatives of the EFCC at the meeting expressed regret over the incident and apologised to the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. EmemAbasi Bassey, Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Eyo Ekpe; JOHESU Chairman, Mr Akanubong Asuquo; NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter; and members of NANNM over the conduct of the agency’s operatives during the operation at the hospital.
The anti-graft agency also assured stakeholders that its headquarters would issue a formal apology and pledged that such an incident would not repeat itself.
As part of the resolutions reached, the EFCC and UUTH management agreed to establish communication channels to ensure that any future investigations involving the institution are handled professionally and within the law.
Stakeholders further urged security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint in matters involving healthcare institutions in order to avoid disruption of critical medical services.
The meeting reaffirmed the sanctity of hospitals and stressed that the safety of patients, healthcare workers and visitors must be protected at all times.
Participants also acknowledged the role of the EFCC in combating corruption but emphasised the need for the Commission to uphold professionalism and accountability in its operations.
It was resolved that government should participate in identifying individuals linked to the alleged fake medical report associated with the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.
Akwa Ibom State Government, however, commended the EFCC Chairman for ordering an investigation into the incident and also lauded the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for setting up a panel of inquiry.
According to the communiqué, the state government pledged to participate fully in the investigations to strengthen institutions and prevent future occurrences.
The health unions, in turn, expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for intervening in the crisis and for his administration’s continued support for healthcare workers through welfare improvements and allowances.
In what emerged as the major outcome of the meeting, the unions announced the suspension of the strike action after consultations with their congresses, citing public health concerns and the need for industrial harmony.
The meeting also resolved that parties involved should avoid further media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or undermining ongoing engagements.
A liaison committee comprising representatives of the state government, UUTH management, the EFCC and health unions is to be constituted to monitor implementation of the resolutions and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
