In a press statement dated February 23, 2026, and signed by its coordinator, Comrade Ochuko Famili, the group expressed “serious concern over the alleged victimisation of Mr. Urhude Abel,” a staff member of the institution.

The Delta State chapter of the Take It Back Movement has raised the alarm over the alleged victimisation of a staff member of the College of Health Science and Technology, Ofuoma, Ughelli, accusing authorities of imposing disciplinary actions while a related case remains before a court.

In a press statement dated February 23, 2026, and signed by its coordinator, Comrade Ochuko Famili, the group expressed “serious concern over the alleged victimisation of Mr. Urhude Abel,” a staff member of the institution.

According to the group, Abel had reported facing “a series of false allegations and severe disciplinary measures” despite an earlier dispute already being the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.

The statement explained that the initial matter involved an allegation of defamation of character between staff members, which was taken to court. It noted that a date had been fixed for a report-of-settlement or trial after the institution’s lawyer requested time to resolve the dispute.

The movement, however, described as troubling the emergence of additional allegations while the case remains pending in court.

“Shockingly, while that case is still pending, fresh allegations allegedly surfaced without proper investigation, fair hearing, or formal invitation to Mr. Abel before recommendations were made against him,” the statement said.

The group further alleged that the situation may be linked to internal leadership disagreements within the institution, particularly surrounding the contest over who becomes Provost.

It warned that “no worker should be subjected to intimidation, threat-of-termination, forced-exile, or politically-motivated administrative persecution because of perceived alignment or personal principles.”

The Take It Back Movement called for “immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into all allegations,” stressing the need for strict adherence to due process and the rule of law, as well as protection of Abel’s rights as a civil servant.

The organisation also demanded “an end to every form of victimisation, intimidation, and administrative witch-hunt” within the institution.

Addressing allegations mentioned in the dispute, the group stated that claims, including those relating to sexual harassment, must be handled responsibly.

“Allegations, including those relating to sexual harassment, must be treated with seriousness, fairness, and proper investigation. They must not be weaponised as tools of intimidation, retaliation, or score-settling,” the statement added.

The movement called on the Delta State Commissioner for Health and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene to ensure “justice, fairness, and institutional accountability.”

The statement concluded with the declaration: “An injury to one is an injury to all." 

© Emma