UUTH: NMA Akwa Ibom Suspends Strike Following EFCC Apology

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EMERGENCY GENERAL MEETING (EGM) OF THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA), AKWA IBOM STATE BRANCH, HELD VIRTUALLY ON MONDAY, 18TH MAY, 2026

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Branch, held an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) on Monday, 18th May, 2026 which commenced at 8.30PM. The meeting reviewed developments following the recent assault and molestation of Prof Ekpe, its members and other medical personnel by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), as well as actions taken by the leadership of the Association in response to the incident.

OBSERVATIONS
Upon critical appraisal of the updates presented, the following observations were made:
1. Congress commended the unity, resilience, sacrifice, and collective resolve demonstrated by members of the Association throughout the period of the industrial action and advocacy efforts, that significantly contributed to the successes recorded.

2. Congress appreciated the leadership of the State Officers’ Committee (SOC), led by the State Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, for steadfastly defending the resolutions of Congress to a meaningful stance.

3. Congress acknowledged the series of efforts of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Commissioner for Health, the leadership of the EFCC, President, Nigerian Medical Association , State Chairmen and other relevant stakeholders, which culminated in:
The constitution and scheduled inauguration of a committee on 20th May, 2026, to address and prevent future assaults on healthcare workers;
The public apology issued by the Chairman of the EFCC and aired on national television;
Ongoing efforts aimed at resolving all outstanding issues raised by Congress.

4. Congress described the public apology by the Chairman, EFCC, which was a major demand, as unprecedented and a significant demonstration of accountability, noting that the actions taken represent a collective victory not only for doctors in Akwa Ibom State, but for healthcare workers across Nigeria.
5. Congress commended the solidarity demonstrated by other healthcare unions such as JOHESU, NANNM whose support further strengthened the advocacy efforts of the Association.

RESOLUTIONS
Congress unanimously resolved as follows:
1. The suspension of the ongoing strike action by NMA-AKS with immediate effect for members to resume duty at 8 am 19TH MAY 2026.

2. Reiterated that while the strike has been suspended in good faith and in the interest of industrial harmony, all resolutions and demands previously made by Congress remain active and are being pursued through ongoing engagements with relevant authorities.

Members were encouraged to resume their duties promptly and continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while also ensuring compliance with approved call duty structures and workplace standards.

Prof. Aniekan I. Peter
Chairman, NMA-AKS

Dr Ighorodje Edesiri E.
Secretary, NMA-AKS