The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) Branch, has petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Health over alleged irregularities in the process of appointing a new Chief Medical Director (CMD) for the institution.

The union is protesting the ongoing selection process to succeed the current substantive CMD, Professor Uzoma Agwu, whose tenure is set to expire on July 1, 2026.

In a formal letter of protest dated April 7, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, the union leadership raised alarms over what they described as critical deviations from established guidelines, due process, and principles of transparency.

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According to the petition signed by the DUFUTH MHWUN Branch Chairman, Comr. Ogbonna Uche Trevis, and Branch Secretary, Comr. Osuji Ifeanyi Chinenye, the current appointment process lacks the open competitive procedures standard for federal tertiary health institutions.

Specifically, the union highlighted: Lack of Transparency: The selection procedure has bypassed standard protocols, with the union noting that there has been “No advertisement, interview, etc.” for the position; Exclusion of Key Stakeholders: There has been inadequate engagement with internal bodies and key unions within the hospital system; and Violation of Extant Rules: The ongoing actions demonstrate a perceived disregard for the statutory rules and guidelines governing CMD appointments in Federal Tertiary Health Institutions.

“The position of CMD is pivotal to the effective administration, clinical governance, and overall development of the hospital,” the union stated, warning that any process perceived as flawed or biased risks eroding trust, creating avoidable tension, and disrupting healthcare delivery.

While acknowledging the oversight authority of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the union maintained that as critical stakeholders, they cannot stay silent on actions that could undermine staff morale and institutional stability.

The DUFUTH branch of MHWUN is urging the House Committee and the Honourable Minister to: Order an immediate review of the current appointment process to succeed the incumbent.

Ensure strict adherence to established guidelines and due process. Promote transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness in the selection procedure. Safeguard the integrity and credibility of the institution. Threats to Industrial Harmony.

The union emphasised that its intervention is guided purely by the desire to protect the institutional integrity of DUFUTH and ensure the emergence of credible leadership. However, they gave a stark warning regarding the peace of the institution if the issues remain ignored.

“We remain committed to maintaining industrial harmony and supporting all lawful efforts aimed at strengthening the health sector,” the petition read.

“However, we also reserve the right to pursue all legitimate avenues available to us should these concerns not be urgently addressed.”

The House Committee on Health is expected to look into the petition as stakeholder anxieties rise ahead of the July 1 transition date.

(New Telegraph)

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