Ex-worker Sues Minister, FUTH CMD Over Alleged Illegal Termination Of Appointment
A former staff of the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) Owerri, Mr. Joachim Egerue, has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Health, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), and the hospital for the alleged unlawful termination of his appointment. The case, now before the National Industrial Court in Owerri, is being heard by Justice N.C. Ogboanya.
Egerue, who was previously in charge of the Dental Store at FUTH Owerri, claims that his dismissal, which occurred on July 1, 2021, followed an audit of the dental unit conducted without his knowledge or presence. He contends that he was unfairly treated and that the audit violated his constitutional right to a fair hearing, as guaranteed by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
In his petition, Egerue’s lawyer, Dr. Chris Nwadigo, asked the court to declare the audit report, which led to his dismissal, unlawful and unconstitutional. He argued that the audit was conducted by FUTH without notifying or involving Egerue or his assistant during the process. He further stated that the decision to terminate Egerue’s appointment was based solely on this report, which he claims was a form of “witch-hunting.”
The suit seeks the following actions from the court:
- A declaration that the termination of Egerue’s appointment was unlawful, wrongful, and unconstitutional.
- A demand for the reinstatement of Egerue to his previous position, along with arrears of salaries, promotions, and other benefits.
- A compensation of N250 million for the unlawful termination of his employment.
- An additional N100 million for salaries and benefits due since March 2021.
- A further N250 million as damages for the arbitrary dismissal and another N100 million as punitive damages for the violation of his rights.
The case is ongoing, with the defendants required to file their defense and prepare for the hearing of the substantive case.
