JOHESU Calls Protest Over Calabar Psychiatric Hospital MD Appointment Premature
By NINI NDUONOFIT-AKOH
JOHESU Calls for Due Process in Medical Director Appointment
THE Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, have described recent protests over the appointment of the hospital’s substantive Medical Director as premature, insisting that the Federal Government has yet to conclude the selection process.
The unions made their position known in a statement issued in Calabar and signed by the chapter Chairman of JOHESU, Mr. Nathaniel Eyo.
According to the statement, no official result of the interview conducted for the appointment has been released by the appropriate federal authorities, making any protest based on speculation both unnecessary and unjustified.
Union Questions Identity of Protesters
JOHESU alleged that those behind the demonstration were not recognised staff members of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital and described them as “unknown workers.”
The union further alleged that the protesters were sponsored to disrupt activities within the institution, expressing concern that the demonstration interfered with clinical operations and created unnecessary tension in the hospital.
It maintained that agitations founded on rumours or unverified information undermine established administrative procedures and risk destabilising the peaceful working environment of the institution.
Commitment to Merit and National Unity
The union emphasised that the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital is a federal institution whose leadership appointments are governed by the Constitution and relevant federal laws.
It noted that every qualified Nigerian, regardless of state of origin, has the constitutional right to aspire to such leadership positions and should be assessed strictly on merit and in accordance with due process.
JOHESU reaffirmed its commitment to merit, professionalism and national unity, urging all stakeholders to allow the appointment process to run its full course before drawing conclusions.
Appeal for Peaceful Resolution
While commending the Cross River State Government for maintaining a peaceful and hospitable environment, the union stated that the protest did not reflect the values of the state or its longstanding culture of peaceful coexistence among residents.
The statement urged healthcare workers to remain focused on delivering quality medical services and avoid actions capable of disrupting patient care.
JOHESU also advised that any individual or group dissatisfied with the eventual outcome of the appointment process should pursue legitimate administrative or legal channels rather than resorting to public demonstrations.
Hospital Management Reacts
Meanwhile, the management of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital also condemned the protest, describing those involved as “hoodlums and meddlesome interlopers.”
Labour Desk Officer of the hospital, Mr. Hogan Bassey, maintained that the eight individuals involved in the demonstration were not employees of the hospital and accused them of attempting to disrupt peace within the federal medical facility.
