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The Management of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has strongly refuted allegations by Mr Paul Haanongon that the hospital deliberately withheld his salaries for eight months.
Mr Haanongon had, during a live broadcast on his Facebook page on February 1, 2026, accused the hospital’s management under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director, Dr Terungwa Stephen Hwande, of intentionally stopping his salary.
However, in a rejoinder signed by the Chief Information Officer/Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Tsenzughul Moses F., the hospital described the claims as “false, misleading and reckless,” insisting that they were aimed at misleading the public and undermining the integrity of the institution.
The hospital management clarified that Mr Haanongon is currently facing five separate disciplinary cases involving acts classified as serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules (PSR 030402).
According to the statement, in line with PSR 030301 and PSR 030306, any officer undergoing investigation for serious misconduct may lawfully be placed on interdiction and is not entitled to full salary pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.
“The actions taken by Management in respect of Mr Haanongon are lawful, justified, and strictly in compliance with extant public service regulations,” the statement said.
Management further noted that, contrary to his public claims, Mr Haanongon had been formally issued queries, notified of the allegations against him, and given the opportunity to respond in line with the principle of fair hearing as prescribed under PSR 030302.
The hospital accused him of refusing to submit himself to constituted disciplinary authorities and of challenging established procedures, describing such conduct as a disregard for lawful authority and due process within the public service.
BSUTH also expressed concern over his decision to use social media to address matters already under formal disciplinary consideration, stating that such conduct amounts to additional misconduct under PSR 030401, which prohibits acts prejudicial to the discipline, reputation, and orderly administration of the public service.
“No public servant is permitted to circumvent laid-down disciplinary mechanisms through blackmail, sensationalism or public misrepresentation,” the statement added.
The management warned that continued dissemination of what it termed falsehoods and defamatory statements against the hospital and its leadership would attract appropriate sanctions as provided under the Public Service Rules and other applicable laws.
It urged members of the public to disregard Mr Haanongon’s allegations, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in handling staff discipline and welfare matters.
BSUTH denies withholding staff salaries, says officer facing disciplinary action
