Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the reported use of teargas within the hospital environment as reckless and unacceptable.
Obi reacted to reports alleging that EFCC operatives stormed the hospital in an attempt to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee.
According to reports, the operation caused panic within the hospital after teargas canisters were allegedly discharged inside the premises, forcing patients, doctors, nurses and other medical personnel to flee for safety.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi acknowledged the constitutional responsibilities of the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies but criticised the manner in which the operation was reportedly carried out.
“I have just read the troubling reports of how operatives of the EFCC allegedly stormed the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in a bid to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe,” Obi said.
“While I understand and respect the fact that the EFCC, and indeed all government agencies, have constitutional responsibilities to perform without interference, the manner in which some of these operations are conducted is often deeply disturbing.”
The former Anambra State governor said the reported use of teargas in a hospital environment represented a dangerous disregard for human safety and professionalism.
According to him, hospitals are sensitive environments where lives are constantly at risk, and any action capable of causing panic or disrupting medical activities could have devastating consequences.
“Reports indicate that EFCC operatives discharged teargas canisters within the hospital premises, sending medical workers and patients running for safety. This thoughtless act compromised the safety of everyone within the hospital and further endangered the health of sick patients already receiving treatment,” he stated.
Obi stressed that the rule of law and order remain critical pillars of any functioning society and warned against actions capable of undermining public trust in government institutions.
“I have always maintained that one of the most important intangible assets any nation can possess is respect for the rule of law and civil conduct,” he said.
“The disorderly behaviour allegedly displayed during this operation should not be encouraged. Nothing justifies the use of teargas within a fragile hospital environment.”
He also questioned the message such actions send to professionals working under difficult conditions in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
According to Obi, the treatment allegedly meted out to Professor Ekpe could discourage highly skilled medical personnel who continue to serve the country despite mounting challenges within the health system.
“If a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery can be subjected to such treatment within a hospital environment, what message are we sending to other doctors and medical professionals struggling to keep our healthcare system functioning?” he asked.
Obi further noted that Nigeria continues to face a shortage of highly specialised medical experts, especially in critical fields such as cardiothoracic surgery.
He cited reports indicating that Nigeria has only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons serving a population of over 230 million people, adding that Professor Ekpe is reportedly the only specialist in that field currently serving in Akwa Ibom State.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate stressed that medical professionals should be treated with dignity and respect, especially given their contributions to national development and public health.
“Our hospitals remain among the most critical institutions contributing to national development. We must protect them and preserve the dignity of those working tirelessly to save lives,” he added.
Obi called on public institutions and security agencies to adopt more civil and professional approaches in the discharge of their duties.
“Let us learn to do better as a nation. We must reject the rascality, disorderliness and abuse of power that have become associated with some public institutions and replace them with civility, professionalism and respect for human dignity,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating his popular message of hope for national transformation.
“A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi stated.
