The Akwa Ibom State Government has successfully resolved the dispute between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), leading to the suspension of the industrial action earlier declared by health sector unions in the state.
The resolution followed a Joint Stakeholders’ Meeting convened by the State Government on Friday at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo, on the directive of Governor Pastor Umo Eno.
The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, brought together representatives of the State Government, EFCC, security agencies, UUTH management, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and other health unions.
The gathering was convened in response to the recent altercation involving EFCC operatives at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, an incident that created tension within the health sector and triggered industrial action by healthcare workers.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable,” condemning the altercation in strong terms.
Representatives of the EFCC 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 members of NANNM, over what was described as the unruly conduct of some operatives during the operation at the hospital.
The anti-graft agency further assured stakeholders that its headquarters would issue a formal apology and pledged that such an occurrence would not happen again.
As part of the resolutions reached, the EFCC and UUTH management agreed to establish effective communication channels to ensure professionalism and due process in handling any ongoing or future investigations involving the institution.
Stakeholders also urged security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint in matters involving healthcare institutions to avoid disruption of essential 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 nation-building and emphasised the need for the Commission to continue to uphold professionalism and accountability in order to sustain public confidence.
The stakeholders further resolved that government should actively participate in identifying those behind the alleged fake medical report connected to the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The State Government commended the EFCC Chairman for ordering an investigation into the incident, as well as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for setting up a panel of inquiry.
According to the communiqué, the Akwa Ibom State Government pledged full participation in both investigations to strengthen institutions and prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, the health unions expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his prompt intervention and continued support to the healthcare sector through improved welfare packages and allowances for health professionals.
In a major outcome of the meeting, all health sector unions agreed to suspend the strike action in the overriding interest of public health and industrial harmony after consultations with their respective congresses.
The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from further media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or undermining ongoing engagements.
A liaison committee comprising representatives of the State Government, UUTH management, EFCC, and health unions is to be established to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with stakeholders expressing commitment to peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and the protection of healthcare delivery and public confidence in institutions.
By Ndifreke Bassey
