Fresh allegations of impunity and abuse of office have surfaced at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, deepening concerns over governance in the sector.
The crisis comes on the heels of negative developments in the ministry that prompted Governor Umo Eno to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, following reported administrative lapses that allegedly contributed to loss of lives.
However, while the dust from that episode which led to the dismissal and demotion of concerned staffers is yet to settle, the ministry has again been thrust into controversy, this time over alleged violation of the Public Service Rules (PSR) by the Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel John.
The current imbroglio reportedly began in December 2025 following the retirement of a director of Public Health Services upon attaining the mandatory retirement age in line with civil service regulations.
By established civil service tradition and the provisions of the PSR, the most senior officer in the department should expectedly assume the vacant position in an acting capacity pending formal confirmation.
Dr. Boniface Ukpong, a Salary Grade Level 17 officer and then State Programme Manager of the Malaria Elimination Programme, emerged as the most senior officer qualified to succeed the retired director.
But sources within the ministry alleged that the seamless transition process was stalled due to what they described as a “covert interest” of the commissioner.
Insiders disclosed that the commissioner had on at least two public occasions declared that he was not bound by seniority in appointing a new director of Public Health Services.
On Monday, January 5, 2026, during the ministry’s New Year thanksgiving and official resumption ceremony held at the ministry’s car park, the commissioner reportedly announced that he would soon name a new director to replace the retired official, without reference to seniority considerations.
The situation reportedly escalated on Thursday, January 8, during a meeting at the conference room of the ministry, when the commissioner allegedly stated that he was considering appointing either Dr. Bassey Akpan or another officer, both on Salary Grade Level 16, a grade below that of Dr. Ukpong.
The pronouncement was said to have stunned staff members, as it signaled a clear departure from established civil service practice.
According to sources present at the gathering, the commissioner reportedly boasted that he had the authority to appoint anyone of his choosing as Director, and allegedly declared that he was “the beloved of Pastor Umo Eno” and would receive his backing for any decision taken.
The statement has raised serious concerns about due process, administrative integrity, and adherence to public service regulations.
Civil service rules in Nigeria generally emphasise seniority, merit, and procedural compliance in career progression, particularly in technical and professional cadres such as public health.
WatchmanPost can report that a circular dated 12th February, 2026 and endorsed by Rosemary I. Obong, on behalf of the permanent secretary of the ministry, announced the posting of Dr Boniface Ukpong, a Chief Medical Officer, to the Hospitals Management Board without a designation.
The same letter also announced that Dr Bassey Akpan, Principal Medical Officer 1, who was previously at the TB Unit of the Ministry, was appointed Director, Public Health Services.
Observers argue that such a deviation without transparent justification could erode morale within the system and undermine institutional stability.
Stephen Andem, a rights crusader said such “abysmal fall by the commissioner was unknown to civil service practice”
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.
“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. The question is, what has he done to deserve that? No matter how you look at this, the scheming by the commissioner is a huge embarrassment on the government and this may lead to untold cases of sabotage.”
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.
