The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wade into the over six weeks’ strike embarked on by workers of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, over corruption allegation against its Medical Director, Dr Angela Uwakwem.

President of the congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in a letter addressed to Buhari, last week, said that the situation in the institution has been worsened by the non-implementation of the management board’s resolution which recommended that the MD and the top management proceed on leave to pave way for a thorough investigation into the matter.

He said: “This was by way of an illegal virement of personnel costs meant to pay staff promotion arrears for 2013 and 2014, the siphoning of funds meant for the running of the centre through channels of a questionable privatisation process of some sections and services rendered by the hospital.

“It was on the strength of the prima facie case established by the board that the FMC Owerri Board halted the privatisation process and passed a resolution that the MD and indicted members of her Top Management Committee (TMC) should proceed on compulsory leave to enable a full investigation to take place as prescribed by law and the Public Service Rules.”

NLC also said in the letter that the perpetuation of illegality and illegitimacy by the MD and her team, must not be allowed to continue, while the permanent secretary must not be allowed to continue to usurp the powers of the president by holding onto the board’s recommendation to Buhari.

He urged President Buhari to urgently effect the payment of all outstanding entitlements of the affected workers, saying the development would ensure enthronement of greater productivity and better industrial harmony in the centre.

 

No Comments

Leave a Comment

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our Feed