Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its operatives’ invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 13, 2026, Obi described the agency’s attempt to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and deputy chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, as a “troubling and thoughtless act.”
Recall that some EFCC operatives had stormed the hospital to arrest Professor Ekpe over a medical report the hospital allegedly issued in connection with a suspect under investigation.
During the operation, the operatives reportedly fired teargas canisters within the hospital premises, causing panic among staff and patients.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s constitutional mandate to carry out its duties, Obi expressed deep concern over the manner of the operation.
“While I understand and respect the fact that the EFCC, and indeed all other government agencies, have their constitutional rights to do their jobs without interference, the manner in which some of these jobs are carried out is often deeply troubling.
“This thoughtless act greatly compromised the general safety in the hospital environment and further jeopardised the health of medical personnel and patients,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor emphasised the importance of the rule of law, stating that the alleged disorderly conduct by the EFCC operatives should not be tolerated.
“Nothing justifies the use of teargas canisters in a fragile hospital environment.
“Hospitals are among the most critical contributors to a people’s development. We must also learn to respect the lives and dignity of our citizens,” the ADC chieftain added.
He highlighted the acute shortage of specialists in the country, noting that Nigeria has only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons serving a population of over 230 million, with Professor Ekpe being the only one in Akwa Ibom State.
“If a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery is arrested in such a demeaning manner in a hospital environment, what signals are we sending to other medical professionals working hard to keep our health sector afloat?” he asked.
OBI further called for greater civility in the discharge of official duties and urged authorities to end the “rascality and disorderliness” that sometimes characterises operations by public institutions.
