The Nigerian Government says it has not found the Medical Director at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owerri, Mrs Angela Uwakwem, guilty of the allegations levelled against her.
The assertion follows series of protest by health workers and labour unions at the health institution against the recall of Mrs Uwakwem as the substantive Medical Director of FMC Owerri after about 10 months of stepping aside.
The directive for her reinstatement was contained in a statement issued by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.
Dr. Ehanire said the recall of Dr. Uwakwem was with immediate effect, adding that the institution’s management would be supported by staff from the Federal Ministry of Health.
A Presidential Directive
Contrary to the claims of the protesters, the Minister argued that her appointment was a presidential issue and her removal could only be done through a presidential directive.
“Should evidence of misconduct be found against her, Dr. Uwakwem will answer for it and face the law as no person shall be protected from justice.
“Since Dr. Uwakwem’s four-year tenure is valid until 2017 and no evidence of misconduct against her was raised by a Ministerial Fact Finding Commission, the Ministry desires rule of law to prevail over mob action,” he stated.
The reinstated medical director told reporters at the Imo State capital that the tenure of the interim management committee had expired and that she had taken over following the Federal Government’s directive.
She reiterated her commitment to ensuring better delivery of healthcare services to the people of the state in southeast Nigeria.
Uwakwem further called on aggrieved workers to cooperate with her for the development of the centre.
However, the union had staged a protest three days ago where they down-tooled and called on the government to reverse its plans to recall Mrs Uwakwem.
While they vowed not to return to work until their demand was met, security operatives have been detailed to the centre to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
On his part, President of the Association of Resident Doctors in Imo State, Dr. Victor Dike, says they are readily available to carry out their services to the public without interruption.
