The Osun state government on Thursday raised alarm over an alleged invasion of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) by dismissed council executives, warning against such actions.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Adekunle Akindele, accused an embattled All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of forcefully entering PHCs in Ilesa local government areas.
Akindele listed the affected facilities as Okeoye PHC (Ward 8), Irojo PHC (Ward 9), Okesa PHC (Ward 7), Ilemo PHC (Ward 4), and Ijamo PHC (Ward 5), stating that the chairman falsely claimed to be on a working visit.
Describing the act as an illegal incursion and a display of lawlessness, Akindele warned PHC staff to avoid engaging with unauthorized visitors.
He said: “The visit is unauthorized, unlawful, and designed to intimidate healthcare workers and disrupt essential medical services.
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“For the avoidance of doubt, no local government official has the authority to inspect or interfere with the operations of our PHCs without express approval from the Primary Healthcare Board in Osogbo. Any genuine inquiry regarding healthcare administration should be directed to the appropriate authorities and not through unlawful, politically motivated intrusions.”
“These illegal visitors are not coming in peace. Reports indicate that they are moving around with armed thugs and dangerous weapons, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within our healthcare facilities. This reckless behaviour is not only a threat to our dedicated health workers but also endangers the lives of vulnerable patients who depend on these centres for critical care.
“The state government will not fold its arms while political desperadoes put the lives of innocent citizens at risk.The health and safety of our medical personnel and patients remain our top priority. Our administration will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the healthcare system for selfish political gains.”
He warned that any individual or group caught disrupting services will be dealt with according to the full weight of the law.