Reps panel probes alleged abuse, cyberstalking at FMC Asaba

A house of representatives panel has scheduled May 7 to resume the hearing over alleged unjust treatment, conspiracy, and cyberstalking at the Federal Medical Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta state.

Ogbutor Godsday, a physiotherapist, had petitioned the house committee on public petitions, chaired by Mike Etaba, lawmaker representing Obubra/Etung federal constituency in Cross River state.

The petition, dated October 5, 2024, was presented before the house by Ezechi Nnamdi, legislator representing Ndokwa east/Ndokwa west/Ukwuani federal constituency of Delta state.

In the petition signed by his legal team — FMC Okoh and Associates — Godsday, who joined FMC Asaba as a physiotherapist in 2006 and rose to the position of deputy director and head of the physiotherapy department, alleged that he faced unfair treatment and administrative actions that affected his role.

The petition cites concerns over Godsday’s work environment, disciplinary procedures, and internal administrative decisions that led to his withdrawal from service.

Godsday’s lawyers also raised concerns about alleged interference in his role and questioned the handling of internal grievances.

The petition references an incident in 2023, which led to attempts to undermine Godsday‘s leadership within the department, and alleged unjust delay in the payment of his salary arrears.

“Sometimes in 2023, rumours were brought to his attention that there was a conspiracy to recruit some physiotherapy interns to rebel against him to facilitate his removal as head of department of physiotherapy,” the petition reads.

Godsday’s lawyers said a panel was set up to probe alleged misconduct against their client but no report was ever presented.

“Whereas by the provisions of the guidelines for appointments, promotion and discipline (part V, section 1 (11), the panel ought to have concluded its assignment and conveyed its position to all persons concerned within two weeks of its constitution; it is yet to come up with any report,” the lawyers said.

“Yet, punishments were already being meted out to him such that between October 2023 and February 2024, he was forced to go on annual leave two times and his junior was made the acting head of the department with instruction to our client to report to him on resumption from the forced leave.”

The petitioners asked Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, to prevail on the management of FMC Asaba to release Godsday’s promotion letter and salary arrears.

During an earlier hearing, Godsday, accompanied by his lawyers, presented his case before the committee.

However, the panel noted that certain supporting documents were missing from the petition and requested that they be re-submitted at the next session.

The management of the medical centre is also expected to appear before the committee.