Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has ordered the investigation, dismissal and prosecution of staff of Umaisha General Hospital in Toto Local Government Area over allegations that they sold items donated to the facility.
Gatekeepers News reports that Sule issued the directive on Wednesday during the swearing-in of eight commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and board members at the Government House in Lafia. He also directed the state Commissioner for Health to investigate the allegation and submit a report before the end of the week.
The controversy followed a viral video showing Sa’ad Abdullahi, the lawmaker representing Umaisha/Ugya Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, confronting hospital officials over the whereabouts of items he had donated to the facility.
The donation included 50 orthopaedic mattresses, 50 ceiling fans and 40 standing fans, which the lawmaker said he purchased with his personal funds to improve conditions for patients and healthcare workers.
During his visit to the hospital, Abdullahi demanded explanations for the missing items and questioned officials about where the mattresses and fans had been kept or distributed.
One hospital staff member reportedly explained that about seven of the 50 mattresses had been temporarily given to discharged patients, with an arrangement for them to be returned. The circumstances surrounding the other missing items remain subject to investigation.
Reacting to the allegation, Sule described the reported conduct as “inhuman” and said dismissal alone would not be sufficient.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Health to identify anyone found culpable and ensure they are dismissed and prosecuted. He also instructed the Head of Service and Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission to ensure appropriate disciplinary and legal action is taken against officials found responsible.
Sule stressed that competence alone was not enough in public service, saying officials must also demonstrate honesty, patriotism and accountability, particularly in the health sector.
The allegations have raised concerns about the management of donated materials in public hospitals, especially items provided specifically to improve healthcare conditions for patients.
The investigation will determine whether the hospital staff actually sold the donated items and who, if anyone, should face prosecution.
