Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The protracted industrial action by health workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) has been officially suspended, following a formal apology and regret expressed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its controversial invasion of the facility on May 12, 2026. The breakthrough was achieved after a joint stakeholders' meeting convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Old Executive Council Chambers, Governor's Office, in Uyo. The meeting, held on the directive of Governor Umo Eno and chaired by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, brought together representatives of the state government, the EFCC, security agencies, UUTH management, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and other health sector unions. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, stakeholders described the incident as "unfortunate and entirely avoidable," while condemning the altercation in its entirety.
The EFCC, through its representatives at the meeting, expressed regret over the incident and apologized to all affected parties, including the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Emem Bassey; the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Eyo Ekpe; JOHESU Chairman, Akanubong Asuquo; and NMA Chairman, Aniekan Peter, over what was described as the unruly conduct of its operatives during the operation at the hospital. The anti-graft agency further assured stakeholders that its headquarters would issue a formal apology and pledged that such an incident would not recur. As part of the resolutions, the EFCC and UUTH management agreed to establish effective communication channels to ensure that any ongoing or future investigations involving the hospital are handled lawfully and professionally. Stakeholders also urged security agencies to exercise restraint and observe due process in dealing with healthcare institutions, stressing that hospitals must remain safe spaces for patients, workers, and visitors.
The crisis had sparked tension across the state's health sector after EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the hospital in an operation that health workers described as disruptive and capable of endangering patients and medical personnel. The confrontation has since forced a shutdown of the facility and triggered an indefinite strike by medical doctors. The NMA in Akwa Ibom State had commenced an indefinite strike following an alleged assault, arrest and detention of medical personnel at the UUTH by operatives of the EFCC. The association condemned what it described as an invasion of the hospital and demanded Ekpe's immediate release along with other detained staff. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has since vowed that any operative found to have violated professional standards during the controversial operation will face disciplinary action. Following a preliminary review of the incident, Olukoyede directed that an official apology be issued. In a statement shared on the commission's X handle on Monday, the EFCC chairman said the move became necessary in response to concerns raised by members of the medical community and the public. He expressed regret over the incident, stressing that the conduct of the operatives did not reflect the standards expected of the anti-graft agency. "While acknowledging that the well-being of Nigerians is at the core of the Commission's mandate, he expressed regret at the discomfort the unfortunate episode caused staff of the hospital and members of the public," the statement read. Olukoyede also disclosed that a full-scale investigation had been ordered into the incident, adding that any officer found culpable would face internal sanctions. "Once the exercise is completed, any officer found to have acted outside the acceptable code of professional conduct would be subjected to the internal disciplinary process," he said.
The UUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, had earlier alleged that EFCC operatives stormed the hospital on Tuesday, fired tear gas and arrested Professor Eyo Ekpe, a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, alongside four other staff members without prior notice to management or the presentation of any arrest warrant. According to him, the operation triggered panic within the hospital, with some workers sustaining injuries during the confrontation. The incident prompted the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors, UUTH chapter, to embark on an indefinite strike and condemn the invasion as unacceptable. Meanwhile, the NMA had earlier suspended its ongoing industrial action in state-owned health facilities across Akwa Ibom State while retaining the strike at the UUTH over the alleged invasion of the teaching hospital by operatives of the EFCC. The decision was reached at the end of the association's Emergency General Meeting held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to review developments surrounding "the unfortunate invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the ongoing industrial action declared in response to the incident". In a communiqué signed by the Chairman, Prof Aniekan Peter, and Secretary, Dr Edesiri Ighorodje, the association stated, "That the ongoing industrial action shall continue at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and the University of Uyo, while all other health facilities and institutions in the State are given waivers and therefore excluded from the strike action". The association explained that, "This decision is taken purely on humanitarian grounds in consideration of the suffering masses and as a concession arising from the interventions of the State Government and critical stakeholders". The doctors also directed that "work should resume immediately in all excluded centres across the State". However, the association warned that the suspension could be reversed if the EFCC failed to meet its demands within two weeks. "That should the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission fail to comply with the earlier demands of the Association within two weeks from today, all previously excluded centres shall resume full industrial action," the communiqué stated. The association noted that although the EFCC had offered an oral apology, Congress observed "with deep concern the reluctance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to tender an unreserved written apology and publish same in national dailies over the unfortunate invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital". Congress further noted "the unwillingness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to admit fault and adequately compensate all victims affected by the unfortunate raid on the hospital". The association also lamented the impact of the crisis on patients, stating that Congress "noted with sadness the untold suffering experienced by patients, including avoidable deaths occasioned by the unprofessional conduct and actions of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission during and after the unfortunate incident".
The stakeholders also resolved that the government should actively participate in identifying individuals behind the alleged fake medical report connected to the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. Following consultations with their respective congresses, the health unions agreed to suspend the strike in the interest of public health and industrial harmony, while commending Governor Eno for his prompt intervention and continued support for the healthcare sector. A liaison committee comprising representatives of the State Government, UUTH management, EFCC, and health unions is to be established to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. The meeting ended on a positive note, with stakeholders expressing commitment to peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and the protection of healthcare delivery and public confidence in institutions.
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