The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apologised over the controversial altercation involving its operatives and staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), a development that has led to the suspension of the industrial action earlier declared by health sector unions in Akwa Ibom State.
The apology was tendered during a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Old EXCO Chambers, Government House, Uyo, following rising tension in the state’s health sector over the incident.
The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, was held on the directive of Governor Umo Eno and had in attendance representatives of the EFCC, UUTH management, security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), among other stakeholders.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and made available to journalists in Uyo on Monday, stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable,” while condemning the altercation in its entirety.
Representatives of the EFCC expressed regret over the incident and apologised to the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey – the assaulted medical professional, Prof. Eyo Ekpe; Chairman of JOHESU, Mr Akanubong Asuquo; Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Aniekan Peter; as well as members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives over the conduct of some operatives during the operation at the hospital.
The anti-graft agency further assured stakeholders that a formal apology would also be issued by its headquarters and pledged that such an incident would not recur.
The crisis had sparked concern within the health sector after EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the hospital in an operation health workers described as disruptive and capable of endangering patients and medical personnel, triggering industrial action by healthcare unions.
As part of the resolutions reached at the peace meeting, the EFCC and management of UUTH are to establish proper communication channels to ensure professional handling of any ongoing or future investigations involving the institution.
Stakeholders also advised security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and observe due process in matters involving healthcare facilities in order not to disrupt 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 acknowledged the role of the EFCC in combating corruption and strengthening public institutions, while urging the Commission to sustain professionalism and accountability in the discharge of its responsibilities.
The stakeholders equally resolved that government should participate actively in identifying those behind the alleged fake medical report linked to the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.
The Akwa Ibom State Government commended the Chairman of the EFCC for ordering an investigation into the incident, as well as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for constituting a panel of inquiry.
According to the communiqué, the state government pledged full participation in both investigations to strengthen institutional processes and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the health unions expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his swift intervention and continued support for the healthcare sector, particularly in the area of workers’ welfare and improved allowances for medical personnel.
The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from 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 sector unions is expected to monitor the implementation of the resolutions reached.
The meeting ended with stakeholders expressing commitment to peaceful engagement, mutual respect and sustained collaboration towards protecting healthcare delivery and public confidence in public institutions.