Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Obi warned that the reported use of teargas inside a medical facility reflects a dangerous culture of recklessness within public institutions.
Obi's reaction to the incident
Reacting through his official X handle on Thursday, Obi described the incident as a thoughtless act that could put the lives of vulnerable patients, doctors, nurses, and caregivers at grave risk. The former Anambra State governor stated that while anti-graft agencies have constitutional powers to investigate and arrest suspects, no agency has the right to carry out operations that threaten human lives or desecrate critical national institutions such as hospitals.
Details of the alleged raid
According to reports referenced by Obi, EFCC operatives allegedly stormed the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in an attempt to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and deputy chairman of the hospital's medical advisory committee. During the operation, teargas canisters were allegedly discharged within the hospital environment, causing panic as patients and health workers reportedly fled for safety.
Broader implications
Obi said the incident paints a disturbing picture of institutional disorder and raises serious questions about professionalism, operational discipline, and respect for human dignity within some security agencies. He argued that the incident goes beyond the attempted arrest of an individual, symbolizing a broader erosion of civility in public service and a growing disregard for the rule of law.
Impact on Nigeria's healthcare system
The former presidential candidate lamented that Nigeria's fragile healthcare system is already under immense pressure due to poor funding, brain drain, and shortage of specialists. He noted that Nigeria reportedly has only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons serving a population of over 230 million people, and Professor Eyo Ekpe is believed to be the only specialist in that field currently serving Akwa Ibom State.
Obi questioned the message such an operation sends to doctors and other professionals struggling to keep the nation's collapsing healthcare sector alive. He warned that nations cannot function effectively where law enforcement operations are driven by intimidation rather than professionalism and respect for established procedures.
Call for reform
Calling for restraint, accountability, and institutional reform, Obi urged public officials and security agencies to abandon what he described as rascality and disorderliness in the discharge of their duties. He maintained that Nigeria must return to a culture of civility, responsibility, and respect for life if the country hopes to rebuild public trust and strengthen its institutions.
Obi concluded with his signature phrase: A New Nigeria is Possible.
