Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health faces more trouble as its commissioner brazenly flouts Public Service Rules (PSR), igniting controversy.
Akwa Ibom Health Ministry faces fresh impunity, abuse allegations, deepening governance concerns per reports.
Crisis follows ministry woes; Governor Umo Eno declared health sector emergency amid negative developments.
Following reported administrative lapses that allegedly contributed to loss of lives.
Dust from prior episode, dismissing, demoting staff, remains unsettled as commissioner pushes Level 16 director picks.
Health Ministry Controversy: Commissioner Ekem John Flouts PSR
Akwa Ibom Health Ministry in controversy again: Commissioner Ekem Emmanuel John allegedly violates Public Service Rules (PSR).
Imbroglio began December 2025 after Public Health Services director retired at mandatory civil service age.
Civil service tradition and PSR require most senior officer to act in vacant director role pending confirmation.
Ministry sources allege commissioner’s “covert interest” stalled seamless transition after director’s retirement.
Insiders reveal commissioner twice publicly declared no seniority binding for new Public Health Services director appointment.
Health Ministry’s Jan 5, 2026 Thanksgiving Sparks PSR Row
Jan 5, 2026: Ministry’s New Year thanksgiving, resumption ceremony unfolded in car park.
Commissioner announced naming new director soon to replace retired official, ignoring seniority considerations entirely.
The situation reportedly escalated on Thursday, January 8, during a meeting at the conference room of the ministry.
Commissioner allegedly eyed Dr. Bassey Akpan or Level 16 officer for director, below Dr. Ukpong’s Level 17 grade.
The pronouncement was said to have stunned staff members, as it signaled a clear departure from established civil service practice.
Commissioner Boasts Eno Backing, Claims Director Appointment Power
Sources say commissioner boasted of appointing any Director, declaring himself “Pastor Umo Eno’s beloved” with full backing.
The statement has raised serious concerns about due process, administrative integrity, and adherence to public service regulations.
Nigeria’s civil service rules stress seniority, merit, procedural compliance for career progression, especially public health cadres.
Feb 12 Circular Posts Dr. Ukpong Sans Designation, PSR Breach?
Feb 12, 2026 circular by Rosemary I. Obong for PS posts Dr. Boniface Ukpong, Chief Medical Officer, to Hospitals Board sans designation.
Letter appoints Dr. Bassey Akpan, ex-TB Unit Principal Medical Officer 1, as new Public Health Services Director.
Observers warn: Unjustified seniority deviation erodes morale, undermines institutional stability in civil service.
Stephen Andem, a rights crusader said such “abysmal fall by the commissioner was unknown to civil service practice”
Expert: Unlike IG, Army Chiefs, Directors Follow Seniority
According to him, “Unlike in the political appointments of officers like the Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Army Staff or Chief of Defence Staff, which a Nigerian president can appoint the most senior.
Or next most senior officer by causing the senior ones to retire, the appointment of head of service or permanent secretaries.
Though political are reserved only for the most senior officers in ministries, departments and agencies.
“Just as anyone among the directors in various MDAs could be appointed head of service or permanent secretary, only the most senior officer in an MDA can transit to the position of a director”, he stressed.
On his part, a legal practitioner, Cyprian Afahanam, said, “The earlier declaration of a state of emergency by Governor Umo Eno was intended to restore discipline.
Improve service delivery, and rebuild public confidence, following damaging incidents within the ministry.
PSR Flouting by Health Leadership Risks Deepening Mistrust
“This alleged flouting of the Public Service Rules by the ministry’s leadership could deepen mistrust and further destabilise the system.
“Obviously, seniority should always apply in such circumstances.
But the sad thing is that only the commissioner knows why he hasn’t allowed that smooth transition.
“This ugly development would definitely breathe bad blood amongst staffers of the ministry who would likely be demoralised knowing that no matter what effort they put into the service, they could be schemed out or denied their rights at anytime.
“By extension, this could generally affect the working morale of civil servants across the state.
“Regrettably, this is a very bad precedent that should not be allowed to get registered in the system, because it would have a multiplier effect in the sector that we are trying to rescue.
“Posting a qualified person out because of personal interest is worst than demotion.
What Qualifies Him for That Appointment?
The question is, what has he done to deserve that?
When WatchmanPost contacted Dr Boniface Ukpong for explanation, he declined comments citing civil service regulations that restricts his public opinion on any matter.
However, numerous attempts to get the reaction of the Commissioner, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John were unproductive as calls and messages sent to his phone received no response for over eight days.
Meanwhile, further findings revealed that the health commissioner had climbed to Salary Grade Level 13 when he received his political appointment.
