RismadarVoice Reporters
May 14, 2026
The Presidential Candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi has condemned the alleged invasion of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State describing the reported use of teargas within the hospital premises as a “thoughtless act.”
Reacting to reports that EFCC operatives stormed the hospital to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and deputy chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee, Obi said while security agencies have constitutional powers to carry out their duties, such operations must be conducted with civility and respect for public safety.
According to Obi, reports indicated that teargas canisters were allegedly discharged inside the hospital, forcing patients and medical staff to flee for safety. He said the incident endangered lives, disrupted medical services, and compromised the safety of one of the state’s critical healthcare institutions.
The former presidential candidate stressed that no circumstance justifies the use of teargas in a fragile hospital environment, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and public order.
Obi also raised concerns about the manner of the arrest, noting that treating a senior medical professional in such a demeaning way sends the wrong message to healthcare workers striving to sustain Nigeria’s struggling health sector.
He further highlighted the shortage of specialist surgeons in the country, stating that Nigeria reportedly has only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons serving over 230 million people, with Professor Ekpe said to be the only specialist in that field in Akwa Ibom State.
Calling for greater professionalism in public service, Obi urged authorities to reject what he described as “rascality and disorderliness” in official conduct, insisting that a more orderly and just Nigeria remains possible.
