News Report:
Tension has escalated in Oghara, Delta State, as chiefs, youths, and women staged a mass protest at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), calling for the immediate removal of the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme.
The demonstrators accused the commissioner of sidelining the host community in the ongoing recruitment of clinical and non-clinical staff at the hospital. According to the protesters, the employment process has allegedly been centralized in Asaba without the involvement of the hospital management or consideration for the host community.
They claimed that this development violates an existing understanding that reserves a percentage of job opportunities for indigenes of the host communities. Protesters further alleged that several appointments have been made without transparency, citing instances earlier in the year when newly recruited nurses reportedly resumed duty with letters issued directly from the Ministry of Health.
In addition to concerns over recruitment, the protesters raised allegations of irregularities in the handling of pharmaceutical supplies within the hospital. They claimed that previously engaged suppliers have been replaced and that some outstanding payments remain unsettled.
Concerns were also expressed over recent administrative changes within the hospital, including the redeployment of certain key personnel. The protesters argued that these actions have affected accountability and transparency within the institution.
They further highlighted the financial challenges facing the hospital, noting that operational costs, particularly electricity, significantly exceed the monthly subvention provided by the state government.
Calling for urgent government intervention, the protesters urged the Delta State Governor to investigate the allegations and take necessary action to restore confidence in the management of the hospital.
As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Ministry of Health has not issued an official response to the claims.
The governor should remove anybody holding public office that is not doing well