The Federal Ministry of Health has suspended the acting Principal of the School of Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu, Enugu State, Afam Ndu.
Ndu is alleged to have committed serious misconduct unbecoming of a public officer. His name was also mentioned in the intractable crises that have rocked the institution in recent times.
Recently, a group of concerned stakeholders had petitioned both the ministry and security agencies over the activities of the suspended school head.
But, in a letter dated September 20, 2023, with reference no, DHS, 133/T3/169, titled: “Suspension from official duty” and signed by Daloba Edward, a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Health, Ndu was directed to vacate his office. He was also told to hand over “all materials” in his possession to the “most senior officer” in the institution.
The embattled Ndu was further directed to adhere to Public Service Rule 100405 (a and c) restraining him from traveling out of his station and the country without notifying the Permanent Secretary or head of the agency.
Part of the letter read: “I am directed to convey approval of your suspension from official duty and enjoyment of emolument henceforth, pending the determination of your involvement in the conflict between you and Prof. Monday Igwe, Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu.
“The matter has led to many undesirable issues, including closure of the school and disruption of academic activities, allegations of murder and character assassination, incarceration and threats to life.
“These acts constitute serious misconduct, unbecoming of public officers, which violates the 2021 Revised Public Service Rules (PSR) 100402 and 100301.
“…Accordingly, you are to report to the Director, Human Resources Management and to furnish the ministry with any forwarding address where further instructions can be delivered to you. Furthermore, you are to handover all official matters in your office to the most senior officer pending the determination of the case.”
Labour leaders and some staff of the health facility told Daily Sun at the institution on Thursday, that they were upbeat the ministry will be “decisive this time around in handling the issues” and save the school from possible collapse.
They expressed concern that some seemingly untouchable interests have continued to retard development in the institution for over a decade.
