UUTH Raid: VATLAD Praises EFCC Chair’s Public Apology, Calls for Discipline

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy (VATLAD) has commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for publicly apologising over the controversial invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the commission.

The group described the apology and the decision to investigate the officers involved as a demonstration of accountability and responsive leadership rarely seen among public officials occupying sensitive positions.

The incident, which sparked outrage within the medical community and among civil society groups, involved the reported invasion of the hospital by EFCC operatives attempting to verify a medical report linked to a suspect under investigation. The operation allegedly led to the assault and arrest of a professor surgeon and other medical personnel at the facility.

The action drew condemnation from the Nigerian Medical Association and several professional groups, who accused the anti-graft agency’s operatives of violating professional and institutional boundaries.

Reacting in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade (Engr.) Igbini Odafe Emmanuel, VATLAD said it was pleased with reports that the EFCC chairman had strongly condemned the conduct of the operatives and tendered an unreserved apology to the affected medical staff and Nigerians.

The organisation noted that Olukoyede’s swift intervention had helped restore confidence in the commission’s anti-corruption campaign and reassured Nigerians that the agency remained open to accountability.

VATLAD stated, “We are more pleased with the news that the Chairman of the Commission also tendered an unreserved public apology to the affected medical staff, the Nigerian Medical Association and Nigerians at large.”

The group also welcomed the EFCC chairman’s promise to investigate and punish any operative found to have breached the commission’s operational procedures during the incident.

According to the statement, “This action of the Chairman is laudable and has gone a long way in restoring the confidence of Nigerians in the Commission’s war against economic and financial crimes against Nigerians and Nigeria.”

VATLAD said the EFCC chairman had distinguished himself through humility and transparency, stressing that many public office holders in similar positions would have either ignored public criticism or attempted to intimidate dissenting voices.

The group noted that the handling of the incident showed that the anti-graft agency’s leadership was willing to admit mistakes and enforce discipline where necessary.

“He has also again proved beyond doubt, that he is a humble man and submissive to Nigerians even as he leads operatives of the Commission in this fight for a better and accountable Nigeria,” the statement added.

While commending the EFCC leadership, the anti-graft advocacy organisation urged the commission not to relent in strengthening professionalism among its personnel, particularly during sensitive operations involving public institutions and citizens.

The group stressed that anti-corruption efforts must be carried out within the framework of the law and respect for human rights in order to maintain public trust and legitimacy.

VATLAD stated, “We encourage him to continue to instil discipline and professionalism in the activities and operations of the Commission while remaining resolute and transparent in its operations against any Nigerian rightly suspected of economic and financial crimes.”

The organisation also pledged continued support for the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance across the country.

“As anti-graft and good governance campaign organisation for over 25 years now, we pledge our continued cooperation and support for the Commission and other anti-graft Agencies towards achieving the lawful objectives set for the agencies,” the group added.