The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has threatened to file a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the alleged assault and humiliation of a senior medical doctor, Professor Eyo Ekpe, during an operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
The association also announced an indefinite strike action following the incident, insisting that its members would not return to work until the EFCC apologises publicly and takes disciplinary action against the officials involved.
The resolutions were reached during an emergency virtual meeting of the association held on Tuesday after the incident sparked outrage among doctors and health workers in the state.
The controversy began when EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Uyo to verify a medical report said to have been submitted by a suspect under investigation.
According to accounts from the NMA, the operatives approached Prof. Ekpe over the report. The professor was said to have informed the officials that the hospital management was already processing the request.
However, the situation allegedly turned violent shortly after.
Witnesses claimed that one of the operatives left the scene and later returned with other officers, who allegedly assaulted the professor and dragged him away under humiliating conditions.
The NMA further alleged that the operatives physically attacked the professor, beat him in public and handcuffed him alongside some doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene.
The incident reportedly caused panic within the hospital environment, with patients, medical workers and visitors shocked by the development.
At a press conference held at the Doctors’ Mess in Uyo on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State NMA, Aniekan Peter, condemned the action of the EFCC and described it as a direct attack on the medical profession.
Prof. Peter, who also claimed he was affected during the incident, said doctors could not remain silent while one of their members was allegedly assaulted while carrying out lawful duties.
“It is a slap on the integrity of the medical profession for anybody to assault a professor and medical practitioner who was simply doing his work of saving lives and training younger doctors,” he said.
The association said there had been a disturbing increase in cases of harassment and intimidation of medical professionals by security agencies in the state.
Reading a communiqué jointly endorsed by the chairman and the secretary of the association, Dr Ighorodje Edesiri, the NMA accused security agencies of repeatedly violating the rights and dignity of health workers.
The union described the alleged invasion of the hospital as barbaric, degrading and inhuman.
According to the communiqué, hospitals are sacred places meant for treatment and preservation of life and should not be turned into battle grounds by armed operatives.
The association also expressed concern that the operation allegedly endangered the lives of patients and staff within the hospital.
The NMA maintained that there was no formal invitation sent to Prof. Ekpe or the leadership of the association before the incident occurred.
It argued that the use of force inside a medical facility was unnecessary and unacceptable.
The doctors’ body therefore demanded a public apology from the EFCC to Prof. Ekpe, the state NMA chairman and all doctors affected by the incident.
It also demanded the identification and prosecution of the EFCC officers involved in the operation.
In one of its strongest decisions, the association announced that its members would no longer offer medical services to EFCC officials or their relatives until justice is done.
The communiqué partly read: “Prof. Eyo Ekpe was apprehended within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him to the point of bleeding and handcuffed him alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene.”
The association also alleged that the state NMA chairman was shoved and exposed to teargas while trying to seek clarification from the operatives.
The NMA said it would proceed with legal action against the anti-graft agency and seek damages of N1 billion for what it described as physical, emotional, professional and institutional harm caused by the incident.
According to the association, the legal action is intended not only to seek justice but also to serve as a warning against future harassment of medical workers by security agencies.
The incident has generated reactions within the health sector and among members of the public, especially because it occurred inside a major federal hospital.
The strike action declared by doctors may also affect healthcare services in Akwa Ibom State if the dispute is not resolved quickly.
Patients seeking medical attention at public hospitals could face delays, reduced services and disruptions in treatment.
Labour unions in the health sector have in the past protested against what they describe as poor treatment of medical workers, unsafe working conditions and lack of respect for healthcare professionals.
Nigeria’s health sector has also faced repeated strikes over welfare issues, shortage of medical personnel and disputes involving government agencies.
As of Wednesday evening, the EFCC had not officially responded to the allegations made by the NMA.
Many Nigerians are now waiting to see whether the Federal Government or relevant authorities will intervene to calm tensions and prevent a prolonged shutdown of medical services in Akwa Ibom State.