Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has directed the immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecution of health workers alleged to have sold hospital equipment donated to a healthcare facility in Umaisha Development Area.
The governor issued the directive on Wednesday during the inauguration of eight commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries, and board members at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, Government House, Lafia.
Governor Sule described the alleged sale as a serious act of misconduct and corruption that demonstrated a lack of concern for patients and the healthcare needs of residents. He directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, to thoroughly investigate the matter, ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted, and submit a report by the end of the week.
The equipment was donated by Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, the member representing Umaisha/Ugya Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, who purchased the items with his personal funds after becoming concerned about conditions at the local primary healthcare facility. The items reportedly included approximately 50 orthopaedic mattresses, more than 50 ceiling fans, and about 40 standing fans.
“A very honourable member from Umaisha/Ugya recently bought a lot of mattresses and all kinds of fans, standing fans, ceiling fans and the rest of that because he was concerned about what his local primary healthcare was undergoing,” Governor Sule said. “Few days back, he returned there and discovered that the officials of the hospital had actually sold those items. This is a terrible thing that will happen if you have people who do not mean well for Nasarawa State.”
The governor emphasised that dismissal alone would be insufficient and that those found culpable must face criminal prosecution for what he termed an “inhuman attitude” and corruption involving a lack of sympathy for the sick.
The directive follows a video circulated on social media in which the lawmaker questioned hospital officials about the whereabouts of the donated items.
Governor Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability in the health sector and to protecting resources meant for the well-being of Nasarawa residents.