Nasarawa To Dismiss, Prosecute Hospital Staff Over Alleged Sale Of Donations –
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has ordered the immediate dismissal and prosecution of hospital staff reportedly involved in the unauthorized sale of items donated to Umaisha General Hospital in Toto Local Government Area.
The governor issued the directive on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of eight commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries, and board members at the Aliyu Akwe-Doma Banquet Hall in Lafia.
In addition to the dismissals, Sule instructed the Commissioner for Health to launch an investigation into the allegations and to submit a detailed report by the end of the week.
The governor’s actions were prompted by a viral video featuring Sa’ad Abdullahi, the lawmaker representing the Umaisha/Ugya constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. In the video, Abdullahi confronted hospital officials regarding the whereabouts of the items he had donated to the facility, which included 50 orthopedic mattresses, 50 ceiling fans, and 40 standing fans.
Sule highlighted that the lawmaker made the donation to address the deteriorating condition of healthcare facilities in his constituency.
“I have already asked the Honourable Commissioner for Health to investigate, to dismiss, and to prosecute those involved,” the governor stated. He emphasized that mere dismissal would not suffice, insisting that those found guilty must face legal action for what he termed an “inhuman attitude.”
Sule further directed the Head of Service and the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission to ensure that any officials found responsible undergo appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
The situation escalated after a video circulated on social media this week, showing Abdullahi questioning hospital staff about the donated items during a visit aimed at evaluating the facility. In the footage, he expressed concerns over the conditions facing patients and requested an account of the donated mattresses and fans.
A hospital representative later explained that approximately seven of the 50 mattresses had been temporarily issued to discharged patients but were expected to be returned.
The state government’s investigation aims to clarify the status of the donated items and determine if any hospital officials should face disciplinary or criminal consequences.
