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Psychiatric hospital workers strike over new manager

Workers of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital Uselu, Benin City have commenced an indefinite strike over the appointment of Dr S.O Olotu as the new Medical … Continue reading Psychiatric hospital workers strike over new manager


Workers of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital Uselu, Benin City have commenced an indefinite strike over the appointment of Dr S.O Olotu as the new Medical Director (MD) of the Hospital.

The workers who held a congress to review an earlier three day warning strike which ended Thursday last week, said they will continue the strike until the Federal Ministry of Health explains the circumstances surrounding the appointment of the new Medical Director of the Hospital.

The new Medical Director Dr S.O. Olotu however said his appointment followed due process and appealed to the workers to resume work immediately.

The workers had last week embarked on a three day warning strike after the new MD presented his letter of appointment. According to the hospital workers union, there was no letter directing the Acting MD to handover.

The workers who had accused the new MD of influencing his promotion and facing disciplinary action after he  allegedly absconded from duty for three years.

They since the hospital now has two Medical Directors and they will continue the strike until the Ministry of Health clears the air on the issue.

The new Medical Director Dr S Olotu in his response said he had applied for the position of MD when it was advertised and interviews were duly conducted after which he emerged the best candidate and was duly appointed by the President.

He appealed to the striking workers to call off their strike and join him in repositioning the hospital.

The crisis in Uselu Psychiatric Hospital Benin City which started over six months ago was exacerbated a month ago following a protest by the workers over what they termed a desperate attempt by some politicians to impose a Medical Director on them without recourse to due process.