By SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN CTY — MEMBERS of Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals, Research Institute and Associated Institutions, SSAUTHRIAI, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, have raised alarm over alleged plot by groups they described as faceless, to cause crisis between the staff of the institution and management.

Chairman of SAUTHRIAI, Mr. Fidelis Ogobor, who addressed newsmen, on the development, said ‘faceless group’ under the aegis of “National Movement of Nigeria” had alleged that there was tension in the hospital after the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. George Akpede embarked on compulsory leave as allegedly directed by the management of the hospital.

Ogobor, who acknowledged that the outgoing CMD was on leave,  described as misleading and untrue, insinuations that the CMB was asked to proceed of compulsory leave.

He said: “The CMD had applied for leave and same was granted by the board. I do not understand how a faceless group supposedly based in Lagos State will go about peddling falsehood on activities of the teaching hospital.

“There has been peace in the teaching hospital since the current board assumed duties in April and it is our belief that this group is being sponsored to cause unnecessary tension in the institution.

“We wouldn’t know where this group and its publicity secretary, Okharedia Ihimekpen got their information. We are fully aware that the outgoing CMD had himself applied for leave which was duly approved by the board.

“We call on the faceless group to stop peddling falsehood. We also call on Mr. President, the Minister of health and other stakeholders to ignore any of such falsehood.