JOHESU dismisses protest over Calabar psychiatric hospital MD appointment

The Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, have distanced themselves from a protest over the appointment of the hospital’s substantive Medical Director, describing the action as premature.

In a statement issued on Friday in Calabar, the unions said the demonstrators were “unknown workers” and not recognised members of staff of the federal health institution.

The statement, signed by the JOHESU chapter chairman, Nathaniel Eyo, noted that the Federal Government had yet to announce the outcome of the selection process for a substantive Medical Director, making any protest over the appointment unjustified.

The union also alleged that the protest was sponsored and regretted that clinical activities at the hospital were disrupted during the demonstration.

According to JOHESU, the agitation was based on speculation and rumours, warning that any protest before the official release of the appointment results undermines due process and creates unnecessary tension within the institution.

The union stressed that leadership appointments in the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital are governed by the Constitution and other extant laws regulating federal appointments, adding that every qualified Nigerian, regardless of state of origin, has the right to aspire to such positions.

It commended the Cross River State Government for maintaining a peaceful and hospitable environment, saying the protest did not reflect the values of the state or its disposition towards federal institutions operating within its territory.

“Cross River has continued to provide an atmosphere where both indigenes and non-indigenes coexist peacefully and contribute meaningfully to national development without discrimination,” the statement said.

JOHESU advised anyone dissatisfied with the outcome of the appointment process, once officially concluded, to seek redress through lawful administrative and legal channels rather than protests.

“It is important to state that the official result of the interview for the appointment of the substantive Medical Director has not yet been released by the appropriate federal authorities.

Any public demonstration based on speculation, rumours or unverified information is therefore premature and unwarranted,” Eyo said.

The union urged its members to remain calm, continue providing quality healthcare services and refrain from actions capable of disrupting peace within the hospital, while reaffirming its commitment to merit, excellence and national unity.

Meanwhile, the hospital management also disowned the protesters, describing them as “hoodlums and meddlesome interlopers” whose actions were aimed at disrupting peace in the facility.

The hospital’s Labour Desk Officer, Hogan Bassey, said the protesters were not employees of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar.