Staff of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday staged a protest against the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Theophilus Osim, accusing him of disobeying a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health to begin the process of appointing a substantive CMD.
The demonstration, led by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), saw workers carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they pressed their demands.
The protesters alleged that Dr. Osim, who has served in an acting capacity since March 2024, failed to comply with a May 14, 2025, directive from the ministry instructing him to advertise the substantive CMD position within six weeks. They further accused him of victimisation, harassment, and high-handedness in running the hospital.
Sector chairman of SSAUTHRIAI, Ken Bassey, criticised the acting CMD for what he described as “executive rascality,” claiming that staff members had faced arbitrary queries, salary stoppages, suspensions, and even detention for speaking out.
“We have exercised patience for too long, but enough is enough,” Bassey declared. “The ministry gave a clear directive, yet it has not been carried out.”
In response, Dr. Osim denied the allegations, insisting that the process of appointing a substantive CMD was already in motion.
“It is not true that I refused to advertise the position,” he said. “The matter is before the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, and we are following due process.”
He also rejected claims of high-handedness, stressing that his actions were lawful, while urging the union to embrace dialogue.
“At the end of the day, we will all sit at the table to resolve these issues,” Dr. Osim added.
