By Akanbi Ibrahim
There is a growing tension at the Kwara State Ministry of Health over the appointment of a new state epidemiologist, Fresh Insight can authoritatively report.
It would be recalled the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Raji Rasaq had via a letter dated 15th November, 2022 announced the appointment of Dr. Rasheed Oyeniyi Mohammed as the new epidemiologist, thereby taking over from Dr. Khadeejah Kamaldeen who had occupied the seat for the last 6 years.
However in a new twist, Fresh Insight investigations revealed that the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Jumoke AbdulGafar had since 17th November, 2022 directed the Commissioner of Health to not only rescind the appointment of Dr. Rasheed Oyeniyi Mohammed, that he should immediately return Dr. Khadeejah Kamaldeen.
This directive according to Fresh Insight’s checks is causing ripples within staffers of the ministry. speaking with Fresh Insight on condition of anonymity for fear of being reprimanded a senior staff of the ministry said “This is an aberration and disservice to the civil Service. First and foremost, it is important to appreciate efforts of the current administration of Kwara State to ensuring a civil service that is a pride of the nation.
“the current brouhaha in the Ministry of Health, Ilorin is a show of shame and an abnormally. An internal posting was done in the Department of Public Health by the Commissioner in which there was a swap of position between the State Epidemiologist and the Program Manager iof Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme.
“This position she has occupied for over 6 years in which different partners have at one time or the other laid complaints to the ministry about her stewardship.
“This current posting brouhaha we heard is been aided by the PPS of the executive governor, who is indirectly supporting a civil servant to disobey the service by ordering the management of the ministry to reverse the posting” he alleges.
Attempts to speak with the PPS to the Governor where unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report, as numerous calls placed to her mobile number were unanswered.
To be continued
