The traditional ruler of Umunaga community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, Lazarus Umahi, has threatened to deal decisively with staff of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu.
This was as the Hospital staff protested to counter an earlier protest by some members of the community passing vote of no confidence on the management of the hospital.
The earlier protest was led by Eze Lazarus Umahi, the elder brother of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi and three other traditional rulers in Uburu kingdom; they include Eze Godwin Akpandu Okoro, Christopher Ngwu Abbah, Eze Umezurike respectively.
They alleged gross mismanagement, systemic abuse, leadership failures and blatant disregard to the host community against the management of the university.
“As a people, we are first hand witnesses of the alarming deterioration of the infrastructure and healthcare delivery at the hospital, a hospital primed to deliver the best healthcare in Africa.
“We are angry at the erosion of public trust as patients are constantly being referred to Abakaliki and the calculated destruction of our community’s treasured healthcare institution. As a people, we can no longer remain silent while our people suffer due to the incompetence, negligence, and malicious actions of those entrusted with the care of these great National assets.
But a counter protest by the staff of DUFUTH, debunked the allegations by the host community.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the Institution’s Welfare Association, Jideofor Ibekwe, the Staff described the allegations against the CMD as baseless.
They said: “The three page document presented by the organizers is a pre-conceived can of falsehood to cast aspersion on our hardworking CMD who has spent days and nights within the hospital to nurture the institution from cradle since 2022”
“We frown at the allegations of criminal repurposing of facilities, and the ridiculous claims of removal of beds, foams, medications and generators from the teaching hospital, as well as of corruption and abuse of office, leveled against the CMD.
“There is no evidence to support this claim, either in picture, print or video and we challenge the accusers to prove us wrong with counter evidence”, they said
On seeing the large number of staff that turned out protesting in favour of the hospital management, Eze Umahi quickly warned them not to protest round the community, asking them to limit themselves within the perimeter of the institution.
“Let all your protests ends within the hospital premises. It will be bloody if I see any staff protesting outside the hospital gate.”
“Respect the institution and let your protest remain here,” reinforcing his position against any public demonstration that might disrupt the peace in the community.