Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Cross River State Government has rejected the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP)'s call for the removal of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, insisting that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to transforming the state's healthcare system.
Over the weekend, the CNPP had called on Governor Otu to sack the health commissioner after passing a vote of no confidence on him, alleging poor leadership, shortages of essential medicines, dilapidated infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare personnel across government-owned hospitals and primary healthcare centres. The opposition coalition said its position followed consultations with member political parties and reports received from communities across the state, urging the governor to appoint a new commissioner to reposition the health sector.
However, in a statement signed by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Health, Kingsley Agim, the government described the opposition's allegations as misleading and politically motivated, maintaining that the health sector has recorded measurable progress since the present administration assumed office in 2023. The government faulted the CNPP's criticism of the Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital in Calabar, noting that the facility was severely damaged during the 2020 #EndSARS violence and is undergoing phased rehabilitation. According to the ministry, the opposition deliberately focused on sections still under renovation while ignoring completed interventions, including the fully rehabilitated and re-equipped Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory within the hospital complex.
The statement maintained that rebuilding a healthcare system neglected over the years requires phased implementation, careful planning, and prudent management of available resources rather than what it described as politically motivated criticism. The ministry stressed that the administration has continued to balance investments in healthcare with funding for education, road infrastructure, security, agriculture, and other critical sectors despite prevailing economic challenges. It challenged the CNPP to objectively compare the condition of health facilities inherited in 2023 with the interventions currently underway before making public pronouncements on the government's performance.
Despite the government's rebuttal, the CNPP renewed its call for the commissioner's removal on Monday, June 29, 2026, insisting that he remains the most underperforming commissioner in Governor Bassey Otu's cabinet. The opposition coalition reaffirmed its vote of no confidence in the health commissioner, citing mounting concerns over the condition of the state's healthcare system. In a fresh statement signed by its State Chairman, Mr. Patrick Ali, the CNPP said the ministry failed to address the substantive issues it raised regarding healthcare delivery across the state. According to the coalition, attempts to discredit the CNPP instead of responding to the concerns raised do not solve the challenges confronting the health sector.
The CNPP maintained that public office holders should be judged by measurable performance indicators, the condition of public institutions, and the quality of services provided to citizens. It said its assessment of Dr. Egbe's performance was based on feedback from residents and its evaluation of the state's health sector, adding that the government should objectively review the ministry's performance and take necessary steps to improve healthcare delivery. The opposition coalition also urged Governor Otu to continue reviewing the performance of commissioners and other political appointees in line with his administration's commitment to effective governance and improved service delivery.
The CNPP had earlier called on Governor Otu to relieve the health commissioner of his duties, citing the worsening condition of the state's healthcare system. The coalition alleged that many public hospitals and primary healthcare centres across Cross River State continue to struggle with shortages of essential medicines, inadequate medical equipment, poor infrastructure, and insufficient healthcare personnel. It argued that these challenges have significantly affected access to quality healthcare for residents. The group urged Governor Otu to carry out an urgent review of the health sector and, if he considers it necessary, remove Dr. Ayuk as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle aimed at improving governance and public service delivery.
The CNPP also called on the state government to prioritise the rehabilitation and equipping of public hospitals and primary healthcare centres, recruit and improve the welfare of qualified healthcare professionals, ensure the regular supply of essential drugs and medical consumables, promote transparent management of healthcare resources, and implement policies that expand access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments