By George Omagbemi
A senior medical director in Abia State has appealed to Governor Alex Otti to intervene after allegedly going more than 20 months without receiving his salary, a situation he says has pushed him into severe financial hardship.
Dr. Bamachy Onyemachi, Director of Medical Services at the Abia State Health Management Board, Umuahia, said his landlord had threatened to evict him, while a commercial bank had taken possession of a house he acquired through a loan after he could no longer service the facility.
Onyemachi alleged that the dispute began after he disagreed with the Health Management Board’s CEO, Odochi Azubuike, over the handling of medical equipment at the Federal Multipurpose Hospital, Ugwunagbo, in July 2024.
He said his salary was subsequently stopped alongside those of 20 other staff members over allegations including poor attendance, refusal of postings and other administrative issues. However, Onyemachi said the Head of Service later cleared him of the allegation that he had refused to retire and directed that he serve the remaining four years of his tenure.
A 2026 government letter reportedly described his salary as having been “erroneously stopped” and recommended reinstatement and payment of arrears. Onyemachi alleges the directive was not implemented.
Azubuike has denied withholding his salary, while the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health said she was working to facilitate payment.
Leave a Reply