By EHIGIMETOR IGBAUGBA

The Concern Citizen Right (CSR), a sociopolitical group in Cross River, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing crisis at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crisis borders on alleged corruption and falsification of service records by the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Theo Onyuku.

Mr. Patrick Umoh, convener of the group, made the call during a press conference in Calabar, on Sunday, to address the lingering crisis between the staff and management of the hospital.

Umoh particularly requested that an independent body be set up by the presidency to carry out an investigation into the allegations.

He noted that the alleged corruption and falsification of records issues had pitched the management of the hospital against its labour unions.

He explained that the crisis which had lingered for years, had affected quality service delivery by staff of the neuro-psychiatric hospital to patients and the general public.

According to him, the Ministry of Health is not unaware of these issues.

“Staff of the hospital are now being intimated and harassed for voicing out and exposing these abnormalities.

“As we speak, the hospital’s gate is heavily guided by armed mobile policemen drafted there few days ago by the management.

“This is the reason why President Tinubu needs to step in directly and order a full-scale investigation to be conducted by other persons other than those from the ministry.”

Recalled that the unions had some time ago, alleged that the acting CMD falsified his age and other records of service.

According to the unions, the acting CMD had three different ages on his record, and this is to enable him stay in office beyond June 6, when he was supposed to have retired.

“It is however very shocking that with all the information made available to the ministry, it decided not to act.

“Is it not a miracle that a man was employed as a Resident Doctor in 1997 but passed out from NYSC in 2003?”

When contacted, Onyuku confirmed knowledge of the development.

“I am aware of the matter and can’t say anything about it since it is presently before the ministry for investigation.

“I however want you to know that anyone in a position of authority will always have opposition,” he said. (NAN)