RismadarVoice Reporters, May 18, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government has successfully intervened in the dispute involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, leading to the suspension of the industrial action earlier declared by health sector unions in the state.
The resolution followed a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the state government at the Old Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo, on May 15, 2026.
The meeting, held on the directive of Governor Umo Eno, was chaired by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi and attended by representatives of the state government, the EFCC, security agencies, management of UUTH, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Joint Health Sector Unions, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives and other health sector bodies.
The meeting was convened after an incident involving EFCC operatives at the teaching hospital triggered tension within the health sector and led to industrial action by healthcare workers.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable,” condemning the altercation and its impact on healthcare services.
Representatives of the EFCC expressed regret over the incident and apologised to all affected parties, including the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Professor Eyo Ekpe, JOHESU Chairman Mr Akanubong Asuquo, NMA Chairman Professor Aniekan Peter, and members of the nursing association over what was described as the unruly conduct of some operatives during the operation at the hospital.
The anti-graft agency also assured stakeholders that a formal apology would be issued by its headquarters and pledged that similar incidents would not recur.
As part of the resolutions reached, the EFCC and the management of UUTH agreed to establish effective communication channels to ensure that future investigations involving the hospital are handled professionally and lawfully.
Stakeholders further advised security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and observe due process in matters involving healthcare institutions to avoid disruptions to critical medical services.
The meeting reaffirmed the sanctity of hospitals and stressed the need to protect patients, healthcare workers and visitors at all times.
Participants also acknowledged the role of the EFCC in combating corruption and nation-building while urging the commission to uphold professionalism and accountability in order to maintain public confidence.
The stakeholders resolved that the government should actively participate in identifying those behind the alleged fake medical report linked to the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.
The Akwa Ibom State Government also commended the Chairman of the EFCC for ordering an investigation into the incident and praised the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for establishing a panel of inquiry.
According to the communiqué, the state government pledged full participation in both investigations to strengthen institutional processes and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
Meanwhile, health sector unions expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his swift intervention and continued support for healthcare workers through welfare improvements and enhanced allowances.
In what stakeholders described as a major outcome of the meeting, all health sector unions agreed to suspend the strike action in the interest of public health and industrial harmony after consultations with their respective congresses.
The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from further media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or undermining ongoing engagements.
A liaison committee comprising representatives of the state government, UUTH management, the EFCC and health unions is expected to monitor the implementation of the resolutions reached and prevent future conflicts.
The meeting ended with stakeholders expressing commitment to peaceful engagement, mutual respect and the protection of healthcare delivery in the state.
