The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has summoned Dr. Orovwigbo Ogenerukwe Andrew, the leading candidate for the position of Medical Director at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu, for questioning. This follows closely after reports surfaced of an alleged attempt by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to appoint a candidate who failed the qualifying interview.
Dr. Orovwigbo, who scored the highest in the interview with 63.3%, hails from Delta State and has been a long-serving staff member at the neuropsychiatric hospital. His competitor, Dr. Ngozichukwu Unaogu from Ebonyi State, scored 59.2%, falling short of the 60% benchmark set by the Federal Civil Service Rules. Despite this, sources allege that the Minister is advocating for Dr. Unaogu’s appointment, bypassing the panel’s recommendation.
The situation escalated when the ICPC launched an investigation into Dr. Orovwigbo’s financial activities from 2022 to date. A letter from the commission, dated August 13, 2024, and signed by the ICPC’s acting Director of Operations, S. Yahaya, has requested that Dr. Orovwigbo present himself at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on August 22, 2024, along with his bank statements.
The letter emphasizes the need for transparency, citing Sections 28 and 40 of the ICPC Act, and allows Dr. Orovwigbo to bring legal representation or a trusted individual for support during the interrogation.
Related newsEnugu State Government Mandates Removal of Outdoor Speakers from Churches and Mosques within 90 Days
Peter Obi Urges Birthday Supporters to Aid Schools and Hospitals Ahead of 63rd Birthday
This probe comes just days after SaharaReporters highlighted concerns over the Minister’s alleged attempt to impose Dr. Unaogu as the hospital’s director. The interview process, conducted on July 11, 2024, by a panel of eight experts, including renowned neurologist Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, was reportedly fair and transparent, as attested by both candidates.
However, after the panel’s decision favoring Dr. Orovwigbo, the Minister of State reportedly intervened, alleging bias without providing evidence. Sources within the hospital have expressed dismay at the Minister’s actions, describing them as a direct challenge to the integrity of the selection process and the Federal Civil Service Rules.
The controversy has sparked significant unrest among hospital staff and stakeholders, who argue that the directorship should be awarded based on merit rather than political favoritism. Some have called this situation a reflection of broader governance issues within the healthcare sector.
In light of these developments, health organizations associated with the hospital have collectively voiced their concerns, urging the government to ensure that the appointment process remains free from undue political influence.
As the investigation unfolds, the healthcare community and the public alike are keenly watching how this situation will be resolved. It remains to be seen whether merit or political influence will ultimately prevail in the appointment of the new Medical Director at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu.
