News
Nurses’ Association Petitions Kwara Governor Over Harassment, Unsafe Practices At Oke-Ero Health Centre
The Association alleged that a newly employed Registered Nurse, Rufus Favour Mojisola, has been subjected to repeated harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault by the Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Mrs. Ayinde Risikat, a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW).
Ilorin, Kwara State– The Kwara State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has petitioned Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, seeking urgent intervention in what it described as a disturbing case of professional harassment, victimisation, and unsafe medical practices at the Ekan Primary Health Centre in Oke-Ero Local Government Area.
In a letter dated September 15, 2025, and signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Aminu Shehu, and State Secretary, Comrade Markus Luka.
The Association alleged that a newly employed Registered Nurse, Rufus Favour Mojisola, has been subjected to repeated harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault by the Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Mrs. Ayinde Risikat, a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW).
According to the petition, Nurse Rufus, who had raised concerns over lapses and unprofessional practices at the health centre, was humiliated and assaulted for insisting on professional standards.
She reportedly endured instances of being ordered to kneel down in uniform, slapped on multiple occasions, and forced to take on duties far below her professional capacity.
The Association further raised alarm over alleged unsafe medical practices at the centre, including the administration of wrong drug dosages, use of nylon gloves during deliveries, recycling of syringes, and improper methods of conducting childbirth—all of which pose serious risks to patients’ lives.
Citing the Public Service Rules, the Association maintained that physical assault and harassment of colleagues constitute serious misconduct warranting dismissal.
The union made three key demands: an urgent and independent investigation with disciplinary measures against those found culpable, reforms in primary healthcare management in line with national and international best practices, and the immediate reversal of Nurse Rufus’s transfer to ensure her safety and professional dignity.
Copies of Nurse Rufus’s petition, as well as the query and transfer letters issued to her, were attached to the letter sent to the governor.
NANNM expressed confidence in Governor Abdulrazaq’s commitment to justice and healthcare excellence, urging him to intervene swiftly to protect frontline health workers and restore public trust in the state’s healthcare delivery system.
The statement read, “According to her report, Nurse Rufus identified several lapses and unprofessional practices at the facility and attempted to correct. them in line with professional standard and global best practices. Rather than being supported, she was persistently victimized Ly the Officer-In-Charge. Disturbingly, she was allegedly subjected to humiliating acts such as being ordered to kneel down while in uniform, physically assaulted (slapped on several occasions), and denied the opportunity to practice according to her professional training. Instead, she was relegated to perform in additional duties of an attendant and messenger.
“Furthermore, the facility under the supervision of the said Officer-in-Charge has reportedly engaged in unsafe and unethical medical practices, including:
“Administration of wrong drug dosages, use of nylon gloves for deliveries, recycling of previously used syringes on different patients, wrong methods of conducting deliveries, and other unsafe practices that endanger patients’ lives.
“The Association is gravely concerned about these practices, which not only constitute professional misconduct but also pose serious risks to the health and safety of patients across communities in Kwara State.”
NANNM stated, “We are also alarmed that despite being the victim of harassment and professional obstruction, Nurse Rufus was issued a query and subsequently transferred to a location considered unsafe due to prevailing security, concerns. This punitive action clearly amounts to victimization.
“The actions of Mrs. Ayinde Risikat amount to abuse of office, gross negligence, and unprofessional conduct unworthy of an Officer-in-Charge of any health facility. As enshrine in the Public Service Rules (2008 edition, section 030401, 030402 “W” and 030307), slapping, assaulting a colleague in the cause of duty constitute serious misconduct punishable by dismissal.
However, the Association respectfully calls for: An urgent and independent investigation into this matter, with appropriate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.
“Reform of Primary Health Care management in Kwara State in line with National Health Policy (NHP) (1988, Revised 2024, 2016) and Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) and WHO policy provides that a Medical Doctor should head each facility, where no Doctor, a Registered Nurse should serve as the Officer-in-Charge for an effective health care delivery.
“Immediate reversal of the victimization of Nurse Rufus Favour Mojisola by rescinding her transfer to an unsafe location and redeploying her to a safer environment where she can practice professionally without intimidation.
“Kindly find attached copies of the formal letter from Nurse Rufus Favour Mojisola to the Association, as well as the query and transfer letters issued to her by Oke-Ero Local Government.
“We trust in Your Excellency’s commitment to justice, healthcare excellence, and the protection of frontline health workers in Kwara State.We look forward to your urgent intervention on this matter,” NANNM added.
