…I can’t comment on the matter, as it under investigation – Ag CMD

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

Advocates Against Corruption in Public Service in Nigeria has called for the investigation of the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), of the federal neuro-psychiatric hospital, Calabar, Dr Theo Onyuku, over allegations of age and employment records falsification.

The Non-Govermental Organisation (NGO) made the call in a petition to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, through its Solicitor, Akiki Inam of Compass Artoney.

The group also noted that the CMD is not fit to hold such a position owing to what it described as his “questionable character” and dented records of service.

In the petition, the Anti Corruption in Public Service Advocates also questioned the discrepancy between the year the acting CMD was employed into service and when he did his residency.

The petitioner, who quoted the IPPIS number of the acting CMD and backed it up with his pay slip, further alleged that the Nuero Psychiatric Hospital boss provided three different age in his employment record.

According to the NGO, “Theo provided different dates of birth of June 20, 1965, June 20, 1967 and June 20, 1968 in his employment records at the Administrative/Human Resource Department of the hospital.”

“As at September 1997 when he was first employed in the hospital as a Resident Doctor, he gave his date of birth as June 20, 1965 as same was captured in his nominal roll of the hospital.

“In the record of service completed by him, he provided his date of birth as June 20,1967, while he provided June 20,1968 in his resume as found in his personal file in the hospital.

“Of course, it is a criminal and an act of gross misconduct for an employee to present inconsistent dates of birth.

“We know as a matter of law that under chapter 10 section 4 of the Public Service Rules, 2021, it is a gross misconduct for an employee to. enroll into extant government’s payment platform by fraud or misrepresentation of his details.

“Chapter 2 section 1(ii) of the rules says that date of birth recorded on appointment by an officer shall not be changed throughout the career of the officer and any contravention shall be regarded as an act of serious misconduct,” it stated.

“Similarly, backed with documentary evidence, the anti graft body also explained the alleged irregularity on the acting CMD’s academic and service records.

“The record showed that Theo was first employed into the hospital service as a Resident Doctor on September 1, having completed his mandatory service of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC).

“On the other hand, another record provided indicated that Theo completed his NYSC in 2003,” the petitioners stated.

“According to the petitioner, “the records clearly shows that as at September 1, 1997, he was not qualified to be employed into service as Resident Doctor.”

“The foundation of his employment is morally dubious, criminally questionable and suspicious and should be sanctioned in accordance with extant Public Service Rules.

“Kindly investigate our petition and ensure that the appropriate measures are applied in redressing our allegations against Dr Theo.

“In the end, our Public service being the engine room of government is cleansed of persons with questionable criminal records and character,” the petition noted.

When contacted, the acting CMD who did not deny knowledge of the petition, declined to speak on the matter.

“I am aware of the matter and can’t say anything about it since it is presently before the ministry for investigation.

“I won’t preempt the outcome of their investigation with any response. I’m sure all this will be made open by February.

“I however want you to know that anyone in position of authority will always have oppositions,” he stated