Workers of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, on Monday staged a peaceful protest against the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Theophilus Osim, accusing him of disregarding a directive issued by the Federal Ministry of Health concerning the appointment of a substantive CMD.
The demonstration, organised by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), featured staff carrying placards with various inscriptions, calling for adherence to the ministry’s order.
According to the union, Dr. Osim, who has served in an acting capacity since March 2024, allegedly failed to comply with a May 14, 2025 directive from the health ministry mandating him to advertise the vacant position within six weeks.
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Speaking during the protest, SSAUTHRIAI Sector Chairman, Comrade Ken Bassey, accused the acting CMD of high-handedness and deliberate disobedience of constituted authority. He further alleged that members of staff had been subjected to victimisation, harassment, and intimidation under Dr. Osim’s leadership.
“We have been issued arbitrary queries, suspended, our salaries stopped, and some of our members even sent to jail for speaking out,” Bassey stated. “We have been patient, but enough is enough. We will no longer tolerate this executive rascality.”
In reaction, Dr. Osim dismissed the allegations, stressing that he did not flout the ministry’s directive. He maintained that the recruitment process was still undergoing due process under the supervision of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health.
“It is not true that I refused to advertise. The matter is before the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, and I am following due process,” he explained.
The acting CMD also denied allegations of victimisation, insisting that his actions were in line with established procedures and legal frameworks.
While appealing to the union to embrace dialogue, Dr. Osim acknowledged the workers’ constitutional right to protest but urged them to pursue a peaceful resolution.
“At the end of the day, we will all sit at the table to resolve these issues,” he assured.
