Staff Deny Fayose Passage as Violent Protest Rocks FETHI
- Governor, rampaging staff call on FG to remove CMD
Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti
Violent protest wednesday rocked the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, as the staff trooped out en masse to protest against the embattled Chief Medical Director (CMD) Dr. Majekodunmi Ayodele.
The state Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, felt a dose of the staff protest as he was denied access into the hospital and was held at the gate for an hour without being allowed passage.
The placard-carrying protesters repelled every entreaties made by the leadership of the unions to allow the governor enter before addressing them on the premise that he allegedly came to beg on behalf of the seemingly rejected CMD.
The protesters blocked the main gate and used a hummer bus belonging to the hospital to block the way. They displayed three mock coffins at the main gate with the inscription: ‘R.I.P. Dr Majekodunmi Ayodele,’ with the photograph of the CMD affixed to each of the wooden coffin.
The presence of some traditional rulers could not help Ayodele, as the monarchs left in a disappointing circumstance, having been held in the sun for over an hour.
Fayose, who got to the gate at about 12.51p.m. could only be allowed to speak to the visibly livid workers, who chanted sarcastic songs to deride the CMD at about 1.32 p.m.
It took the interventions of the Chairmen, Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Austin Ibikunle and Nigerian Union of Allied Health Workers, Mr. Efe Asagba, to pacify the workers, who brandished leaves before the governor was allowed to address the protesters.
Fayose, who called on the federal government through theMinistry of Health to remove the estranged CMD, said he had earlier told Ayodele that he was not being fair and just in the management of the hospital, particularly on issues bothering on workers’ welfare.
“I want to thank you for your patience, but we have to remember that we have no other place than Ekiti State and we should ensure that hooligans don’t hijack this protest from us. What you are doing today goes to show that the people’s power is greater than the people in power.
“The death of our six doctors is still fresh in our memories, so we cannot afford to lose other lives. It is so unfortunate that the actions and inactions of Dr. Ayodele has led us to this level and deprive many Ekiti indigenes the needed medical services.
“If it is in advanced clime or advanced democracy or if I were Dr. Ayodele, I will resign. I held a meeting with the management onTuesday, May 10, where I told the CMD that he has not done well for this state and the hospital in the way he manages the affairs of this institution. Nobody can give kudos to him with the way he has run this place.
“Dr. Ayodele cannot be bigger than this institution. There was a rumour that I brought him here to resume office, this is not true. I cannot identify with him under this circumstance. I want to tell you staff that you have a good case. One man cannot be greater than you, but you need to be careful.
“I will write my own report before the end of today (Wednesday) and send to Abuja on the need for the federal government through the Ministry of Health to make a change in this hospital by withdrawing the appointment of Dr. Ayodele with immediate effect. I will tell them that the CMD can no longer enjoy your confidence.
“The federal government must not treat my request as opposition voice. Let me put on record that the federal government will be held responsible if anything happens.
“But as you stage this protest, I want to plead that you allow patients who need medical care to be treated here in the interest of our wellbeing,” he said.
He called on the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to work hand-in-hand and prevent the protest from being hijacked or escalate before controllable state.
Earlier, the ARD Chairman described Ayodele as too highhanded and immature to manage the hospital.
“The CMD has become a former CMD. He has been sacked and he has gone forever,” he said.
