By Akeem Oyetunji, IBADAN
Akwa Ibom state governor Udom Emmanuel, is under fire for authorising the sack of the state epidemiologist in charge of Covid-19, Dr Aniekeme Uwah.
Dr. Uwah’s only sin appears to be for allegedly refusing to manipulate covid-19 figures from the state and for pushing for more test to contain the deadly virus.
Nigerians have taken to their Twitter handles, fuming and wondering why Dr. Uwah, who was doing the right could be sacked just because the state government felt he was not cooperating to manipulate covid-19 figures from the state.
Prompt News recalls that as at Sunday night, Akwa Ibom state has 11 confirmed cases of covid-19 based on figures released by @NCDCgov.
In a series of tweets, @drpenking says:”Dr. Aniekeme Uwah is not just a Medical Doctor. He is an asset to Africa . He was recently honoured by the African Union for leading the team of Nigerian Doctors to Liberia to fight the deadly EBOLA.
“In 2020, he was sacked by Akwa Ibom State government for… attempting to save citizens lives according to the Hippocratic Oath that he swore.
“Your state failed you, Doctor.In your next life, I pray you are born where you will be valued.
Activist, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, tweeting @adeyanjudeji, says:
“NEWS: Akwa Ibom State epidemiologist, was sacked by the Gov for refusing to manipulate #COVID-19 figures.
“I have told you the figures they are circulating does not reflect the true situation on ground. This is a nation that tortures statistics.”
Another user, Adetutu Balogun, tweeting @Tuty22 says:
“Ukpong, Commissioner for health removed Uwah from office claiming the Uyo born Medical Doctor should not have sent more samples to NCDC.
“Akwa Ibom State Government is playing politics with lives of her citizens.”
A reacting, @DrOlufunmilayo tweets:
“Akwa Ibom State epidemiologist in charge of Covid19, Dr Aniekeme Uwah, has been sacked for refusing to participate in a scheme to manipulate and suppress Covid19 figures.
“Akwa Ibom currently has 11 cases.
“If calamity hits that state, remember the Governor got his people killed.”
