Staff of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar, Cross River State, staged a protest on Monday against the Acting Chief Medical Director, Dr. Theophilus Osim, accusing him of defying a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health to initiate the process of appointing a substantive CMD.
The demonstration, organised by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions saw workers brandishing placards and chanting slogans as they demanded action.
The protesters alleged that Dr. Osim, who has served in an acting capacity since March 2024, ignored a May 14, 2025, directive from the ministry to advertise the substantive CMD position within six weeks. They also accused him of victimisation, harassment, and high-handedness in the discharge of his duties.
Sector chairman of SSAUTHRIAI, Ken Bassey, accused the acting CMD of running the hospital with “executive rascality,” claiming staff members had been issued arbitrary queries, had their salaries stopped, suspended, or even jailed for speaking outWe have exercised patience for too long, but enough is enough,” Bassey said. “The ministry gave a clear directive, yet it has not been carried out.”Reacting to the allegations, Dr. Osim denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the process for the substantive appointment was already underway.
“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 dismissed claims of high-handedness, describing his actions as lawful, while appealing to the union for peace and dialogue.
“At the end of the day, we will all sit at the table to resolve these issues,” he added.