A’Ibom govt resolves UUTH-EFCC crisis, union suspends strike
The Akwa Ibom State Government has successfully resolved the altercation between operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), leading to the suspension of the strike earlier embarked upon by health sector unions in the state.
The resolution was reached at the end of a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government on Friday, 15 May 2026, at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo.
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Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Government has successfully resolved the altercation between operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), leading to the suspension of the strike earlier embarked upon by health sector unions in the state.
The resolution was reached at the end of a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government on Friday, 15 May 2026, at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo.
The meeting, held on the directive of Governor Umo Eno, was chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and attended by representatives of the state government, the EFCC, security agencies, UUTH management, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), JOHESU, NANNM and other health sector unions.
The stakeholders’ meeting followed the incident involving EFCC operatives at UUTH, which created tension within the health sector and triggered industrial action by health workers.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable” and condemned the altercation in its entirety.
The EFCC, through its representatives, expressed regret over the incident and apologised to all affected parties, including the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Eyo Ekpe; JOHESU Chairman, Mr Akanubong Asuquo; NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter; and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), over what was described as the unruly conduct of its operatives during the hospital operation.
The anti-graft agency further assured stakeholders that a formal apology would be issued by its headquarters and pledged that such an occurrence would not happen again.
As part of the resolutions reached, the EFCC and UUTH management are to establish effective communication channels to ensure the lawful and professional handling of any ongoing or future investigations involving the institution.
Stakeholders also advised security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and observe due process in matters involving healthcare institutions to avoid disrupting critical medical services.
The meeting reaffirmed the sanctity of hospitals and stressed that the safety of patients, healthcare workers and visitors must be respected and protected at all times.
Participants further acknowledged the EFCC’s important role in nation-building and emphasised the need for the Commission to uphold professionalism and accountability to retain public confidence.
Stakeholders also resolved that the government should actively participate in identifying those behind the alleged fake medical report connected to the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The Akwa Ibom State Government commended the EFCC Chairman for ordering an investigation into the incident, as well as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for constituting a panel of inquiry.
According to the communiqué, the state government pledged full participation in both inquiries to strengthen institutions and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the health sector unions expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his timely intervention and continued support for the healthcare sector, particularly through improved welfare packages and allowances for health professionals.
In what was regarded as a major outcome of the meeting, all health sector unions agreed, in the overriding interest of public health and industrial harmony, to suspend the strike after consulting their congresses.
The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from further media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or prejudicing ongoing engagements.
A liaison committee comprising representatives of the state government, UUTH management, the EFCC and health sector unions is to be constituted to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and prevent a recurrence.
The meeting ended on a note of optimism, with all stakeholders expressing commitment to peaceful engagement, mutual respect and collective responsibility towards safeguarding healthcare delivery and sustaining public confidence in public institutions.
