By Frank Ulom
The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Care Professionals at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar,
have described the alleged protest over the appointment of the hospital’s Substantive Medical Director (MD) as premature.
The unions, who made this known in a press statement on Friday in Calabar, however, described the protesters as “unknown workers” in the federal medical facility.
In the statement signed by the JOHESU Chapter Chairman, Nathaniel Eyo, the unions maintained that the Federal Government has released no official result of the selection process.
While alleging that the protesters were sponsored, the union regretted that clinical activities were disrupted at the hospital during the protest.
The JOHESU noted that the demonstration was unnecessary and founded on rumours, maintaining that any agitation before the official announcement of the appointment undermines due process and risks creating avoidable tension within the institution.
The union stressed that the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, is a federal institution whose leadership is determined strictly in accordance with the Constitution, extant laws and regulations governing federal appointments.
It noted that every qualified Nigerian, irrespective of state of origin, is entitled to aspire to such positions.
While expressing appreciation to the Cross River State Government for sustaining a peaceful and hospitable environment, JOHESU said it was convinced that the protest did not reflect the values of the state or the disposition of its government towards federal institutions operating within its territory.
According to the union, Cross River has continued to provide an atmosphere where both indigenes and non-indigenes coexist and contribute meaningfully to national development without discrimination.
The union further maintained that if any individual or group is dissatisfied with the outcome of the appointment process after it is officially concluded and announced, there are legitimate administrative and legal channels through which grievances can be pursued peacefully.
“It is important to state that the official result of the interview for the appointment of the substantive Medical Director has not yet been released by the appropriate federal authorities.
“Any public demonstration based on speculation, rumours or unverified information is therefore premature and unwarranted,” Eyo stated.
JOHESU called on its members to remain calm, continue providing quality healthcare services, and avoid actions that could disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the hospital.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to merit, excellence and national unity, urging all stakeholders to allow the appointment process to run its full course in line with established procedures.
Meanwhile, the hospital management has described the protesters as “hoodlums and meddlesome interloper” whose purpose is to disrupt the peace in the facility.
Mr Hogan Bassey, Labour Desk officer of the hospital, explained that the protesters, eight in number, were not members of staff of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar.
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