UUTH vs EFCC: Health unions call off strike as Akwa Ibom Govt intervenes

Health sector unions in Akwa Ibom State have suspended their industrial action following the intervention of the state government.

Recall that the unions in the wake of alleged molestation and assault of some members particularly Prof. Eyo Ekpe of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, by the operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, embarked on an indefinite strike which had lasted up to one week.  

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, worried by the development and its attendant negative impact on sick patients and those who may have need to access medical care, convened a joint stakeholders’ meeting on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo.

The meeting, which was chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, had representatives of the state government, EFCC, security agencies, management of UUTH, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, JOHESU, NANNM and other health sector unions in attendance.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, made available to journalists on Monday, stakeholders unanimously condemned the altercation describing it as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable”.

The EFCC, through its representatives at the meeting, apologized to all affected parties, including the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, the assault victim, Prof. Eyo Ekpez JOHESU Chairman, Mr. Akanubong Asuquo, NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives over what was described as the unruly conduct of its operatives during the operation at the hospital.

The Commission assured that a formal apology would be issued by its headquarters and pledged that such an occurrence would not repeat itself.

Security and law enforcement agencies were advised to exercise restraint and observe due process in matters involving healthcare institutions in order to avoid disruption of 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.

The stakeholders also resolved that government should actively participate in identifying individuals 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 chairman of the EFCC for ordering an investigation into the incident, as well as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for constituting a panel of inquiry.

The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from further media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or prejudicing ongoing engagements.

All health sector unions agreed, in the overriding interest of public health and industrial harmony, to suspend the strike action after consultation with their congresses.

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 reached and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

UUTH vs EFCC: Health unions call off strike as Akwa Ibom Govt intervenes