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, misleading, and inconsistent with the established recruitment process.
The clarification follows a protest by some community members at the Oghara Teaching Hospital in Delta State, where demonstrators accused the Ministry of Health of carrying out “secret employment” and sidelining local applicants.
In a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the government acknowledged citizens’ right to peaceful protest but urged the public to rely on verified information and engage constructively with relevant authorities.
Dr. Onojaeme stated that the allegations, including claims that community-submitted lists were ignored and that indigenes were excluded, do not reflect the reality of the recruitment exercise currently being conducted.
He maintained that the process has, from the outset, followed strict guidelines designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection.
According to him, the recruitment exercise is structured, verifiable, and open to all qualified applicants across Delta State, stressing that it was never designed to favour or discriminate against any individual, group, or community.
The Commissioner emphasized that while the government values the interest of host communities in health institutions located within their areas, recruitment into the health sector must prioritise competence and professional qualifications in order to guarantee quality healthcare delivery.
He further debunked claims of “secret recruitment,” insisting that no employment slots have been reserved or allocated to any group, and that the entire process remains anchored on equity and merit.
Dr. Onojaeme also dismissed allegations that job placements are being sold or influenced by external factors, warning that such claims could undermine public confidence in a system deliberately structured to be transparent and credible.
He assured applicants and stakeholders that all submissions are being evaluated strictly on merit under uniform criteria, adding that no candidate has been excluded on the basis of origin, affiliation, or community background.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Commissioner said the administration will continue to ensure a level playing field for all applicants while engaging community leaders to maintain trust and mutual understanding.
He urged residents to disregard unverified claims and avoid actions capable of disrupting healthcare services, noting that dialogue remains the most effective means of addressing grievances.
The Delta State Government reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, and excellence in public service recruitment, assuring that no qualified applicant will be denied opportunity in the ongoing exercise.
Dr. Onojaeme also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the recruitment of 700 medical and non-medical personnel, describing it as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the state’s health system and improving access to quality healthcare services across Delta State.