Akwa Ibom State Epidemiologist Dr Aniekeme Uwah was fired on Friday, 24th April for taking samples of COVID-19 suspected cases against the wishes of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Dominic Inyang Ukpong.
News also have it that as a reaction, Dr Aniekeme Uwah, “snubbed the Governor of Akwa Ibom State”, Udom Emmanuel, switching-off “his phone lines” and “leaving Akwa Ibomites at risk of COVID-19.”
In defence, a counter press release was made on Friday evening without authority saying such news, describing it as a “syndicated message.”
It states:
Disregard any syndicated message claiming ‘”Dr Aniekeme Uwah bangs phone on Governor of Akwa Ibom State”.
Such only exist in minds of media syndicates playing politics with the health of Akwa Ibom People and will remain a figment of their ill imaginations.
As at the time of posting this message, Dr Aniekeme Uwah has never spoken on phone with the Governor, whom he holds in very high esteem.
The truth remains that Akwa Ibom State Epidemiologist, Dr Aniekeme Uwah was removed today from office for taking samples of COVID – 19 suspected cases against the wishes of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Dominic Inyang Ukpong.
Moreso, another release has stated that the sack of Dr Aniekeme Uwah may not be connected with “acts of insubordination against his superiors in the state ministry of Health.”
It states that “Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, reportedly mobilized some doctors against cooperating with the state government, highlighting stringent conditions that the government had to fulfill in the interest of peace and the success of the COVID19 battle.”
This statement also supports the ‘fact’ that the Epidemiologist switched-off his phone against the governor and in time of need.
Read –
REVEALED: REASONS UWAH WAS FIRED AS AKWA IBOM EPIDEMIOLOGIST
It has become clearer that the sack of the Akwa Ibom State Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, may not be unconnected with his cumulative acts of insubordination against his superiors in the state ministry of Health.
Aniekeme Uwah, reportedly mobilized some doctors against cooperating with the state government, highlighting stringent conditions that the government had to fulfill in the interest of peace and the success of the COVID19 battle.
The former NMA State chairman is alleged to have blatantly refuse to heed to an invitation by the state Commissioner for Health, fuelling suspicion that he may have been behind the coordinated media attacks on the pioneer NMA chairman in the state.
An informed Government source revealed that Uwah’s final straw, was his slamming the phone against the Health Commissioner who was relaying a message from the state governor.
“It is never heard of, that a deputy director could show such arrogance by switching off his phones against his boss, in an emergency situation.”
Our source said that Uwah had vowed that with the media in his palms, he will frustrate the efforts of the government in fighting the Coronavirus.
The sacked Chief Epidemiologist is quoted as boasting that he controls the political structure of the NMA and that the reputable association will always do his bidding.
It’s also known that the supposed vote of no confidence the medical professionals in the state pass on the Dr Ukpong was to allegedly despise the Commissioner for Heath, and to heighten his popularity.
Although, another group thinks there is politics being played on this matter and sees nothing wrong with Dr. Aniekeme Uwah sending samples of suspected patients to NCDC without ‘permission’.
News have it that Dr Dominic Inyang Ukpong said the Uyo born Medical Doctor should not have sent more samples to NCDC.
An NCDC staff corroborated this development and said, the refusal of the State Government to cooperate with them is stalling effective assignment of the body in the State.
