Staff of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, on Monday staged a protest against the hospital’s Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Theophilus Osim, accusing him of disobeying a Federal Ministry of Health directive on the appointment of a substantive CMD.

The placards carried by protesters, who turned out in their numbers early in the morning, were led by the Sector Chairman, Comrade Ken Bassey, and members of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI).

The union alleged that Dr. Osim, who has been in an acting capacity since March 2024, failed to comply with a May 14, 2025, ministry order directing him to advertise the position within six weeks.

The Sector Chairman said the CMD had “consistently acted as if he is bigger than the ministry,” accusing him of victimisation, harassment, and intimidation of staff.

“We have been issued arbitrary queries, suspended, our salaries stopped, and some of our members even sent to jail for speaking out,” Bassey said. “We have been patient, but enough is enough. We will no longer tolerate this executive rascality.”

But in a swift reaction, Dr. Osim denied flouting the ministry’s directive, insisting that due process was being followed.

“It is not true that I refused to advertise. The matter is before the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, and I am following due process,” he said.

He also denied allegations of high-handedness, maintaining that his actions were within the law.

The Acting CMD appealed to the union for peace and dialogue, acknowledging their right to protest.

“At the end of the day, we will all sit at the table to resolve these issues,” he said.