I am constrained to respond to the publication pasted on your website on the first of April 2012 alleging that the Delta state commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara slapped a female nurse at the central Hospital Warri.
I am constrained to respond to the publication pasted on your website on the first of April 2012 alleging that the Delta state commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara slapped a female nurse at the central Hospital Warri.
As a member of the commissioner’s entourage on that fateful day, I wish to make it clear that Dr. Otumara cannot condescend to the level of slapping his staff no matter the degree of provocation.
The commissioner was on a fact-finding visit to the Hospital with a view to fashioning out measures that would enhance hospital operations across the state.
During the visit, the Nurse attached to the ward in the hospital instead of conducting herself proper was engrossed in a loud telephone conversation, which caused a huge distraction and embarrassment to the team.
The commissioner who noted her activity called her to order and chastised her after which she profusely apologized for her misconduct and indiscretion.
It is then totally incorrect and laughable for anyone to allege that the commissioner slapped the same nurse who having realized her mistake apologized to the commissioner.
It will also interest you to note that the proposed strike by the Warri chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has been called off when the Association discovered that the allegation was baseless.
Dr Otumara is a man of integrity who has distinguished himself in public service over the years and the unfortunate incident we are witnessing now is the work of some miscreants who are bent on tarnishing his enviable record.
The commissioner is committed to revitalizing the health industry and no amount of blackmail or lies would make him soft pedal.
We appeal to you not to allow these groups of misguided individuals continue to use your medium to feed unsuspecting members of the public with falsehood.
We thank you for your display of fairness as you publish this rejoinder.
Signed: Dr. D.E. Omodon,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health,
Delta state, Asaba
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