Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the reported actions of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission during an operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, describing the alleged use of teargas within the hospital premises as “a thoughtless act.”
Reacting to reports that EFCC operatives stormed the hospital in an attempt to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and deputy chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee, Obi said while security agencies have constitutional powers to carry out their duties, such responsibilities must be exercised with professionalism, civility, and respect for human lives.
According to Obi, the reported firing of teargas canisters inside the hospital environment created panic among patients and medical personnel, forcing many to flee for safety and further endangering already vulnerable lives receiving treatment.
He stressed that no circumstance justifies the deployment of teargas in a fragile medical environment, warning that such disorderly conduct undermines the rule of law and public confidence in state institutions.
Obi noted that hospitals remain critical national assets and should be treated with utmost care, especially at a time Nigeria’s healthcare sector continues to struggle with manpower shortages and poor infrastructure.
He further lamented the manner in which Professor Eyo Ekpe was allegedly treated, arguing that humiliating highly skilled medical professionals sends dangerous signals to others sacrificing to keep the nation’s healthcare system functioning.
Citing reports that Nigeria has only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons serving over 230 million people — with Professor Ekpe reportedly being the only specialist in that field in Akwa Ibom State — Obi warned against actions capable of discouraging medical experts from remaining in the country.
The former Anambra governor called on public institutions to embrace orderliness, civility, and respect for citizens in the discharge of their duties, while urging Nigerians to reject what he described as “rascality and disorderliness” in public service.
“A New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi concluded.
