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A storm is brewing at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar, Nigeria, where the acting Chief Medical Director, Dr. Theo Onyuku, is facing allegations of falsifying his age to extend his tenure. The accusations, leveled by a civil society group and the hospital’s labour unions, claim that Dr. Onyuku has altered his personnel records on three separate occasions, resulting in three different dates of birth.

The whistleblowers, who made the allegations public at a news conference, assert that Dr. Onyuku’s actions are a ploy to prolong his stay in office, which was supposed to end on June 6, 2025. The group, Concerned Citizen Right (CSR), is calling for a presidential investigation into the matter, citing widespread corruption and decay within the hospital. According to Mr. Patrick Umoh, who addressed the media on the allegations, “We call on President Bola Tinubu to set up an independent body to investigate the wanton corruption and falsification of service records at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar, Cross River.”

Dr. Onyuku has acknowledged the allegations but refused to comment, stating that the matter is under investigation. He attributed the campaign against him to his opponents, who are opposed to his appointment as Chief Medical Director. “I want you to know that anyone in a position of authority will always have oppositions,” he said.

The crisis at the hospital has been ongoing for years, affecting the quality of service delivery by staff. The alleged corruption and falsification of records have created a rift between the hospital management and the labour unions. Despite the allegations being brought to the attention of the Ministry of Health, no action has been taken to address them. Instead, the ministry appears to have taken sides with the management, leading to the intimidation and harassment of staff who have spoken out against the anomalies.

Umoh expressed shock at the ministry’s inaction, stating, “It is very shocking with all the information made available to the ministry, it has decided not to act.” He emphasized the need for a presidential intervention, calling for a full-scale investigation to be conducted by an independent body. The situation took a turn for the worse when Dr. Onyuku allegedly addressed staff as “infidels” for daring to bring the allegations to public attention during a staff meeting on June 18, 2025.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the federal government is under pressure to take decisive action to address the corruption and decay at the hospital. The allegations against Dr. Onyuku have sparked widespread concern, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in public institutions. With the fate of the hospital and its staff hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the crisis. One thing is certain, however: the situation demands urgent attention and a thorough investigation to restore trust and integrity to the institution.