Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM Condoles UNICROSS Community, Condemns Attack on General Hospital After Fatal Auto Crash

 

The Office of the Special Adviser on Public Utilities to the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prince Sen. (Apostle) Bassey Edet Otu, led by Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, has condoled with the management of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), the Students’ Union Government, and Nigerian students at large over the tragic auto crash that claimed the lives of three students and one staff member.

Engr.  Egbe,  also condemned the destruction of public property following the incident, particularly the attack on the General Hospital in Mary Slessor, Calabar, describing the action as unfortunate and unacceptable.

Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the level of destruction at the hospital alongside the Honourable Commissioner for Health, the Special Adviser expressed disappointment over the attack on a public health facility meant to serve the people.

According to him, while the anger and frustration of the students were understandable, such actions should have been directed towards drawing the attention of the Federal Government to the deplorable condition of the Itu–Odukpani Highway, where the fatal accident occurred.

“As a former student activist, protest actions should be channelled appropriately to attract government attention to the poor state of the federal road that led to this unfortunate incident, rather than destroying healthcare facilities that serve the public,” he stated.

Furthermore Engr.  Egbe,  noted that the students acted out of grief and frustration, adding that no casualties were recorded at the hospital during the unrest.

He called for the redeployment of some hospital staff as well as leadership reshuffling of key personnel within the facility, while also charging health workers to show greater commitment and seriousness in the discharge of their duties.

He stressed that the destruction of the medical facility undermines the efforts of Governor Bassey Otu in repositioning and recalibrating the healthcare system across the state.

The Special Adviser further disclosed that Governor Bassey Otu has sympathized with the families of the deceased and is willing to support the medical treatment of other injured students currently receiving care at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).