By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Staff of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, on Monday staged a protest against Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Theophilus Osim, accusing him of ignoring a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health to begin the process of appointing a substantive CMD.
Led by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), the workers carried placards and chanted slogans demanding immediate action.
The protesters alleged that despite a May 14, 2025 order to advertise the CMD position within six weeks, Dr. Osim, acting since March 2024 failed to comply. They also accused him of victimisation, harassment, and arbitrary sanctions, including suspensions and salary stoppages.
SSAUTHRIAI sector chairman, Ken Bassey, described Osim’s leadership as “executive rascality,” insisting staff had endured enough.
But Dr. Osim denied the allegations, insisting the appointment process is already underway under the Health Ministry’s supervision.
“It is not true that I refused to advertise the position. Due process is being followed,” he said, urging the union to embrace dialogue.
