Fidelis David in Akure 

The Management of the FUTA Teaching Hospital, Akure, has dissociated itself from a controversial opinion article on the ongoing industrial dispute at the institution, saying the publication was neither authorised nor reflective of its position.

The management was reacting to an article titled, “Who Will Save FUTA Teaching Hospital From Aiyedatiwa and Organised Labour?”, which contained strong criticisms of the Ondo State Government, organised labour and some individuals involved in the dispute.

In a rejoinder signed by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, the management acknowledged the writer’s right to express his opinion but cautioned that some of the language, descriptions and speculative assertions in the article could undermine efforts to resolve the lingering industrial crisis.

“Management wishes to state clearly that it did not authorise the publication and completely dissociates itself from any views, allegations or personal descriptions contained therein,” the CMD said.

He specifically distanced the hospital from comments and allegations concerning Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, organised labour and individual labour leaders, stressing that such personal attacks were not the position of the hospital management.

The dispute, which has disrupted activities at the tertiary health institution, revolves around issues including the transition of workers from the former Ondo State-owned University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital to the newly established federal teaching hospital, staff verification, payroll arrangements, trade union rights and the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and federal governments.

The writer, in his article, had argued that the MoU did not provide for the automatic absorption of all existing workers into the Federal Civil Service, maintaining that only staff found eligible after the verification exercise were entitled to absorption.

However, while the hospital management acknowledged the concerns surrounding the transition process, it said it did not possess the unilateral power to resolve all the issues.
“It is important to clarify that Management does not possess the unilateral authority to absorb every worker into the Federal Civil Service or alter the provisions and terms of the MoU,” the statement said.

According to the management, issues relating to staff verification, eligibility for absorption, payroll arrangements and other aspects of the transition remain subject to government policies, established procedures and decisions of the competent authorities.

The clarification appeared to draw a line between the hospital’s institutional position and the claims made in the opinion article, particularly allegations directed at labour leaders.

“Management therefore wishes to unequivocally dissociate itself from allegations, personal attacks or unverified claims made against labour leaders in the publication,” the statement added.

It further warned that reliance on anonymous sources, hearsay and unsubstantiated allegations could further inflame tensions rather than contribute to a solution to the crisis.

“Statements attributed to anonymous sources, hearsay and unsubstantiated allegations cannot contribute to industrial harmony or provide a constructive pathway towards resolving the issues affecting the Hospital,” the management stated.

The hospital therefore urged members of the public to treat with caution claims that were not supported by verifiable facts or official sources, stressing that matters concerning staff verification, absorption, payroll and the implementation of the MoU should be handled through appropriate channels.

The management also extended what it described as a “sincere hand of friendship” to the Ondo State Government, organised labour and other stakeholders, urging all parties to return to the negotiating table.

“Our priority remains the restoration of peace, reconciliation and the return of FUTA Teaching Hospital to full and uninterrupted operation,” the statement said.

The management appealed for “dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation” in the interest of the hospital and the people who depend on it for healthcare services.

It also called on media practitioners, commentators and other stakeholders to uphold fairness, balance and accuracy in reporting the dispute, while respecting the right of parties to respond to allegations made against them.

“FUTA Teaching Hospital belongs to all of us. We must therefore work together to nurture and protect the institution, resolve our differences through dialogue and ensure that the Hospital continues to serve as a centre of excellence in medical education, research and tertiary healthcare delivery,” the CMD said.

The management assured the public that it would continue to provide updates on developments concerning the institution responsibly and transparently, in accordance with established procedures.