Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Delta State Commissioner for Health
The Delta State Government has dismissed allegations of clandestine recruitment and exclusion of qualified indigenes in the ongoing employment exercise into state health institutions, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.
The clarification followed a protest by some community members at the Oghara Teaching Hospital, where demonstrators accused the Ministry of Health of conducting “secret employment” and sidelining local applicants.
In a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the government acknowledged the right of citizens to peaceful protest but stressed the need for accurate information and constructive engagement.
Dr. Onojaeme stated that the allegations, including claims of disregarded community-submitted lists and exclusion of indigenes, do not reflect the realities of the recruitment process.
He maintained that the exercise has, from the outset, adhered strictly to established guidelines to ensure fairness, transparency, and meritocracy.
According to the Health Commissioner, the recruitment process is structured, verifiable, and open to all qualified applicants across the state, noting that it has not been designed to favour or disadvantage any individual, group, or community.
The commissioner emphasized that while the government appreciates the interest of host communities in institutions located within their areas, employment in the health sector must be driven primarily by competence and professional qualifications to guarantee quality healthcare delivery.
He further debunked claims of “secret recruitment” insisting that the process remains firmly anchored on equity and merit, with no employment slots being allocated to any individual or group.
Dr. Onojaeme also refuted insinuations that job placements are being sold or influenced by extraneous factors, warning that such allegations could erode public trust in a system deliberately structured to be credible and impartial.
He assured applicants and stakeholders that all submissions were being evaluated strictly on merit under uniform and transparent criteria, stressing that no applicant has been excluded on the basis of origin or affiliation.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the commissioner said the administration would continue to provide a level playing ground for all candidates, while also engaging community leaders to sustain mutual trust and understanding.
He urged members of the public to disregard unverified claims and avoid actions capable of disrupting essential healthcare services, emphasizing that dialogue remains the most effective means of resolving concerns.
The Delta State Government, he added, remains resolute in upholding fairness, transparency, and excellence in public service recruitment, assuring that no deserving applicant will be denied opportunity.
The Commissioner lauded the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his visionary leadership and foresight in graciously approving the recruitment of 700 medical and non-medical personnel, a decisive intervention aimed at reinforcing the capacity of the state’s health sector and advancing the delivery of efficient, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services to the people.