Gentlemen of the Press, the attention of Joint Health sector Unions (JOHESU) has been drawn to the forceful re-instatement of the erstwhile suspended Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Dr. Angela Uwakwem, ostensibly to enable her destroy factual evidence that could be used against her in the on-going criminal proceedings in court. 

 

The Medical Director was on the 11th October, 2016, charged to court, at the State High Court, Owerri, on a l8 count charge. She could not be arraigned because of the absence of the judge. The case was adjourned to 15th November, 2016, for her arraignment. 

 

Information at our disposal points to the Honourable Minister of State for health, Dr. Ehanire as being behind this clandestine move of her re-instatement despite the prima-facie case established against her by the EFCC. She was escorted by the Imo State Commissioner of Police to forcefully assume duty on Wednesday, 19th October, 2016, with the Police brutalizing and injuring our members in the process. 

 

She was sent on compulsory leave based on allegations bordering on highhandedness, fraud and outright stealing. It is our view that the best thing to do in the circumstance and in line with the zero tolerance stance of the present government is to interdict/suspend Dr. Angela Uwakwem and allow her have her day in court to prove her innocence or otherwise. 

 

It is after this that the issue of her re-instatement or dismissal from service would flow naturally from the pronouncement of the court. 

 

Gentlemen of the Press and the entire public, JOHESU want to place on record that our organization is in total support of the Government of the day in her attempt to rid Nigeria free of corruption. We shall not hesitate to expose any corrupt officer. In this wise, therefore, we call on the President and all well meaning Nigerians to call the Minister of State for Health to order, and that Dr. Angela Uwakwem should be interdicted/suspended and the appropriate Agency of Government should be directed to investigate the Federal Ministry Of Health in their cover up saga. 

 

In the interest of the nation, Labour will not condone any form of cover up or victimization of our members who are law abiding. 

 

Thank you, 

Com. (Dr.) Biobelemoye J. Josiah

National Chairman (JOHESU) 

 

Com. Florence Ekpebor 

National Secretary (JOHESU)