The Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ESPHCDA) has dismissed allegations that government officials attempted to remove and replace medical equipment at the Ogbaku Primary Healthcare Centre, describing the claims as misleading and untrue.
Reacting to a petition dated April 3, 2026, by the Ogbaku Town General Assembly, which alleged that unidentified individuals arrived in a government-branded vehicle on April 2 to tamper with equipment at the facility, the Executive Secretary/CEO of ESPHCDA, Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, clarified that only excess items were being moved back to storage.
The facility had recently been inspected and handed over by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on March 29, 2026, before the controversy erupted.
Addressing the claims, Ani-Osheku said the Primary Healthcare Centre was fully equipped as part of the state government’s broader health sector reforms.
“We are all aware of the governor’s intervention across the state, especially in the health sector. Each primary healthcare centre is a full package — solarised, with borehole, and fully equipped,” she stated.
She explained that the Ogbaku facility had initially been equipped in 2025 but was later vandalised, with critical components stolen.
“This facility was actually equipped last year. These same community people went and vandalised it — they removed electricals, curtains, and some equipment. You can verify this,” she said.
According to her, ahead of the governor’s visit, both the agency and the community made efforts to restore the facility to operational standards.
“We gave the community conditions ahead of the governor’s visit, and they also rallied to fix some aspects like lighting. In response, we replaced what we could,” she added.
Ani-Osheku clarified that the controversy stemmed from the removal of surplus equipment, not installed items.
“In the process, excess equipment were brought. If you go to the facility now, you can count the number of beds. The excess is packed in the security house as we speak. It is that excess that was being removed back to the store,” she explained.
She expressed surprise at the allegations, noting that local authorities were involved throughout the project.
“We are a bit taken aback by all these stories. The councillor of that community worked with us throughout and can confirm what actually happened,” she said.
Describing the claims as baseless, the agency boss added: “I’m honestly surprised that some people will come up with this kind of wild story. I didn’t think there was any truth to it.”
Ani-Osheku further disclosed that the agency is currently issuing appointment letters to newly recruited healthcare workers to ensure adequate staffing of primary health centres across the state.
“Is this how they say thank you to the governor — by spreading a story that lacks truth?” she queried.
