The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, have dismissed the protest over the appointment of the hospital’s substantive Medical Director.

They described it as premature because the Federal Government has yet to announce the outcome of the selection process.

In a statement issued in Calabar on Friday and signed by the chapter chairman of JOHESU, Nathaniel Eyo, the union distanced its members from the demonstration, describing the protesters as “unknown workers” and insisting they did not represent the hospital’s workforce.

The union maintained that the official result of the interview for the appointment of a substantive Medical Director had not been released by the appropriate federal authorities, adding that any protest based on speculation or unverified information was unwarranted.

It alleged that the protesters were sponsored and expressed regret that the demonstration disrupted clinical activities at the hospital.

According to JOHESU, the protest was founded on rumours and had the potential to undermine due process by creating unnecessary tension within the institution.

The union stressed that the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, is a federal institution whose leadership is determined in line with the Constitution and extant laws governing federal appointments, adding that every qualified Nigerian, irrespective of state of origin, has the right to aspire to the position.

It also commended the Cross River State Government for sustaining a peaceful and hospitable environment, saying the protest did not reflect the values of the state or its disposition towards federal institutions operating within its territory.

JOHESU noted that Cross River had continued to provide an atmosphere where indigenes and non-indigenes coexist and contribute meaningfully to national development without discrimination.

The union further stated that anyone dissatisfied with the outcome of the appointment process, after it is officially concluded, should seek redress through established administrative and legal channels rather than resort to public protests.

“It is important to state that the official result of the interview for the appointment of the substantive Medical Director has not yet been released by the appropriate federal authorities. Any public demonstration based on speculation, rumours or unverified information is therefore premature and unwarranted,” Eyo said.

JOHESU urged its members to remain calm, continue providing quality healthcare services and avoid actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of the hospital.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to merit, excellence and national unity, while calling on all stakeholders to allow the appointment process to run its full course in line with established procedures.

Meanwhile, the hospital management also condemned the protest, describing those involved as “hoodlums and meddlesome interlopers” whose actions were aimed at disrupting peace in the facility.

The hospital’s Labour Desk Officer, Hogan Bassey, said the eight protesters were not employees of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar.