From CHARLES ONYEKWERE 

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has decried the unannounced demolition of its Orlu district office by the Imo State government.

The incident, which occurred around 8:30am on Wednesday, left staff and management in disbelief, with no prior notice or official explanation provided.

According to a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, the demolition began when an excavator, allegedly sent by the Imo State government, gained access into the premises through the back fence and immediately started pulling down structures.

“The excavator commenced the demolition of the property from the back fence, pulling down the store, the cash office and the security house.

“Properties and equipment belonging to the company were all destroyed, and staff who were around were denied access when they attempted to salvage the items,” Ezeh stated. 

The situation escalated when the district business manager and another staff member were allegedly assaulted and arrested by a special security squad known as ‘Tiger Base,’ and subsequently taken to Owerri.

The demolition reportedly occurred under the watch of the Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Chris Mbaeri.

EEDC expressed deep concern over the development, noting that no official communication or justification for the action had been received from the state government.

“There is no known reason for the action nor was there any notice or communication made to EEDC in that regard.

“Rather, we were told that they were acting under the directive of the state government,” Ezeh narrated.

He  stressed the need for accountability and transparency, especially given that EEDC had occupied the  premises for over 20 years. “We therefore request the Imo State government to at least let us know why a  premises that we have occupied for over two decades was suddenly  demolished in the manner it was done in the early hours of today.”

As at the time of this report, the management of EEDC remains in the dark over the motive behind the demolition, describing it as an “undeserving calamity.”

Efforts to reach the  Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan  Emerumba, for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was permanently switched off.

Chaiman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, Dr Patrick Umoh said the federal government will have a roundtable with stakeholders to address  ‘ Japa’ syndrome before December.

Umoh disclosed this during the committee’s oversight  visit to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, yesterday in Lagos.

He described the issue  as worrisome, saying  the federal government is preparing  to have a national colloquium  to address it.

According to him, the national colloquium, which will comprise critical stakeholders, will focus on how to improve the welfare of doctors to encourage them to stay in the country to practice.

“The ‘japa’ syndrome is something we are all worried about; we have raised the concerns and we are prospecting to have a national colloquium to address the issue before the end of the year.

“As a committee, we are partnering stakeholders to find ways to improve the welfare of  doctors and also  get people committed to the country; it is not just about money, it is also about patriotism.

“So, on the part of government, we will also see how to intervene using the framework of legislation to see that the system is better for all us. Then, we will also incentivise so that doctors can be interested in working for their country

“These are symbiotic things that must be assimilated by doctors so that we can help our country. We will look at the real issues and see what interventions are possible,” Umoh said.

Umoh assured  of the committee’s commitment to foster the growth of the hospital as a pioneer hospital servicing Nigerians.

He noted that the committee would continually partner the hospital to improve its power supply and ensure the provision of a steadfast alternative power.

He commended the Chief Medical Director, CMD, and hospital management for their efforts and commitment toward improving infrastructure, urging them to do more in the interest of Nigerians.

“We are happy to be here; to fulfill the mandate of the people of Nigeria in the health sector. As parliamentarians, it is our call to engage on robust oversight and to reassess what our health institutions are doing.

“We have gone round the facilities and have also looked at the documents as they affect the hospital; we are impressed that the place is neat including the ongoing projects.

“We also commend the efforts of partners and philanthropists who have partnered the hospital to improve infrastructure and support to the poorest of the poor – masses.

“I understand that it is a pioneer hospital, looking at its age; most of the structures are dilapidated and require intervention.

“We will continue to engage, particularly in the area of power, to provide a steady alternative power supply. As a tertiary health institution, it should be at the apex of giving Nigerians quality healthcare,” Umoh said.

Deputy Chairman of the committee, Dr Adeshola Adedayo, advised the hospital to occasionally organise a ‘thank you’ programme to appreciate all the partners and philanthropists that have supported or donated to LUTH.

Adedayo said  such gesture is necessary, as it would  spur others to  donate to the hospital, thereby improve healthcare services, as  government cannot do everything.

Speaking, the CMD of LUTH, Dr Wasiu Adeyemo appreciated the committee for the visit, saying the hospital anticipates good outcomes from the visit.

Adeyemo lamented that the hospital is facing  internal and external ‘japa’ syndrome.

According to him, most of the staff are leaving the hospital to go and work with the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, as the renumeration offered by LASUTH is higher than that offered by the federal government.

“As a matter of fact, there is the need to increase the salary and overall welfare of  doctors not only to curb external ‘japa’ syndrome, but to also discourage our doctors from going to LASUTH to practice, ” Adeyemo said. (NAN)