ADVERTISEMENT

Workers shut down Federal Medical Centre, demand removal of CMD

The workers had accused her of financial mismanagement and high-handedness, which led to her suspension.

Dr Angela Uwakwem

The Federal Ministry of Health had on Wednesday reinstated Uwakwem, saying her appointment was a presidential issue that can only be reversed through the same channel.

Uwakwem had a running battle with the labour union at the centre that accused her of financial mismanagement and high-handedness, which led to her suspension.

The Ministry, however, said since no evidence of misconduct was raised against her by a Ministerial fact-finding commission, the medical director has the right to finish her four-year tenure which will end in 2017.

ADVERTISEMENT

Upon learning of her reinstatement, the workers reportedly locked up all offices, medical units and wards in protest, accusing the Minister of State for Health, Dr Ehanire Osagie, and the Director of FMCs, Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe, of facilitating the return of Uwakwem.

The aggrieved workers said the director has a case to answer at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stressing that she should go and clear herself of the charges against her first.

"We won’t allow someone who has a case with the EFCC to be the CMD of this centre. She should go and clear her name of the financial allegations levelled against first before she could come to struggle to be CMD," the workers said in a statement.

Responding to the drama, Uwakwem said she has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Ministry of Health, on which basis she was reinstated.

She said as long as the Federal Government is not in doubt of her  integrity and competence, the workers' allegations is nothing to worry about.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I am not even in Owerri now. They are just lying against me as usual. The truth is that I have been cleared of any wrongdoing and I have been asked to resume work immediately. I am the chief exectutive; I can resume work from anywhere," she told Punch on the telephone.

"For now, I have resumed work, but I’m not yet in the office; the order was with immediate effect. They should let the court decide; you don’t say somebody is guilty until the court says so."

The Police Commissioner, Imo State Command, Taiwo Lakenu, said since the government has directed that the CMD resumes immediately, the workers have to obey that authority.

He said policemen will ensure the CMD resumes without any hassles or harassment from the aggrieved workers.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Hardship: Abiodun to begin sale of rice to Ogun residents at 50% discount

Hardship: Abiodun to begin sale of rice to Ogun residents at 50% discount

Labour Party offers Peter Obi 2027 presidential ticket unopposed

Labour Party offers Peter Obi 2027 presidential ticket unopposed

Allow us build seaports, railways to develop the South-East - Ohanaeze tells FG

Allow us build seaports, railways to develop the South-East - Ohanaeze tells FG

UCH Ibadan workers are tired of working in darkness as power outage persists

UCH Ibadan workers are tired of working in darkness as power outage persists

Armed robbery suspect who killed police officer begs govt to have mercy on him

Armed robbery suspect who killed police officer begs govt to have mercy on him

Tinubu enlists Dangote, Elumelu, Rabiu, others in Economic Coordination Council

Tinubu enlists Dangote, Elumelu, Rabiu, others in Economic Coordination Council

Sanwo-Olu doesn't want you to blame govt for current hardship in the country

Sanwo-Olu doesn't want you to blame govt for current hardship in the country

Okuama: Slain officers left behind 3 pregnant widows, 21 orphans – Lagbaja

Okuama: Slain officers left behind 3 pregnant widows, 21 orphans – Lagbaja

Joke Silva describes neglect of Lagos theatres as sad development

Joke Silva describes neglect of Lagos theatres as sad development

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT