... Accuses Health Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, Hospital Mgt. Of Victimization
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Petty traders and food vendors plying their businesses at the premises of Central Hospital Ughelli, have lamented their eviction from the premises accusing the management of sectional eviction and victimization.
Narrating how they were evicted, some business owners who choose to remain anonymous disclosed that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, had earlier instructed that all business owners trading in the premises to vacate their shops which they obeyed.
According to them, the eviction order was duly honoured as directed, but noted that since their eviction, some top management staff, their relatives and wives were left to trade in the premises. They expressed their discomfort and frowned at the action of the management, stating that it is seems as an act of victimization targeted at only those who had no connection at the top or had affiliations to the hospital management board.
“Yes they said we all should vacate the premises maybe on health ground or perceived threat of infections. They said no one should be seen selling or trading inside the premises until a proper area is allocated, but it is wrong for you to allow some persons to continue doing their businesses where quoting others.” A business owner lamented.
To ascertain the rational behind their eviction while others are allegedly still left behind, calls and messages were made to the Commissioner of Health, but he never responded to messages neither did his number went through. But a visit to the hospital confirmed the allegations as other vendors shops has been brought down except few ones which findings confirmed to be owned by top management staff, their wives or family members.
It will be fair therefore, if the management will deviate from such discriminatory practices and allow all business owners who were evicted to come back and continue their businesses in the premises or locate a suitable place for them.
This will ni doubt promote fairness and equality among all vendors and prevent any further accusations of victimization. The management should also provide clear guidelines and regulations for all business owners in the premises to follow in order to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.
