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By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has concluded plans to file a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) over the alleged assault and humiliation of Professor Eyo Ekpe, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
The decision formed part of 10 resolutions reached during an emergency virtual meeting of the association held on Tuesday following the controversial arrest of the professor by EFCC operatives.
Professor Ekpe was reportedly arrested after EFCC officials stormed the teaching hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect under investigation. Sources said the surgeon informed the operatives that the requested documentation was already being processed.
However, the situation allegedly escalated when one of the officials reportedly left the office, returned with other operatives, and forcefully whisked the professor away in what witnesses described as degrading circumstances.
The operatives were also accused of physically assaulting the surgeon, allegedly leaving him in tears before hospital staff and patients.
However, speaking during a press conference at the Doctors’ Mess in Udoudoma, Uyo, on Wednesday, the NMA Chairman in the state, Professor Aniekan Peter, condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on the integrity and dignity of the medical profession.
Peter, who said he was also affected during the confrontation, insisted that the association would not tolerate the harassment of doctors, especially a senior academic and specialist carrying out his lawful duties.
A communiqué jointly endorsed by the chairman and the association’s secretary, Dr Ighorodje Edesiri, and read by the assistant secretary, expressed outrage over what it described as a recurring pattern of intimidation and assault of medical personnel by security agencies in the state.
The association further condemned the alleged invasion of the hospital premises, describing it as barbaric, degrading, inhuman, and a gross violation of the sanctity of the healthcare environment.
According to the NMA, the operation endangered patients and hospital workers while undermining the dignity of the medical profession.
The association also faulted the EFCC for allegedly failing to formally invite either Professor Ekpe or the leadership of the NMA before carrying out the operation.
The doctors’ body has since embarked on an indefinite strike and declared that members would not resume work until the anti-graft agency publicly apologises to Professor Ekpe, the NMA leadership, and medical practitioners affected by the incident.
The union also demanded that the EFCC identify and prosecute the officials involved in the operation.
In a further hardline stance, the association resolved to suspend medical services for EFCC personnel and their relatives, accusing the commission of choosing “the path of cruelty” against one of its members.
The communiqué read in part: “We observed that 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.
“Prof. Peter, Akwa Ibom NMA chairman, was shoved and exposed to teargas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives. Hospitals are sacred environments meant for the preservation of life and should not be subjected to violent invasions by security agencies.
“We shall institute legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) for the physical, emotional, professional, and institutional damages caused. Congress further emphasised that this action shall serve as a deterrent against future harassment, intimidation, or assault of medical practitioners by any security agency. The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all its members.”
