NAWOJ, rights group applaud The Guardian's investigative report on UPTH

Source: The Guardian

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State Chapter and the Centre for Basic Rights Protection And Accountability Campaign (CBRPAC) have commended The Guardian and her investigative journalist, Ann Godwin, on the report about nightmares and extortions at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

The groups in a statement signed by the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana and National Coordinator of CBRPAC, Prince Wiro Junior, noted that investigative reports such as the one published by The Guardian were necessary tools for the restoration of human dignity.

The groups expressed great delight that the revelations in the report and the publicity it has generated is attracting public attention and providing succour to many patients like the gesture from Rivers-born musician, Burna Boy, who visited the hospital and paid medical bills of all patients at the facility.

The groups noted that the investigative report was one of such cases where the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, through its constitutional duties, holds public officers accountable and brings succour to humanity.

The NAWOJ chairperson noted that the revelations in the report would bring hope to suffering women, especially pregnant mothers and their children in the state and beyond. She said: "We expect that The Guardian's report, which has brought to the public space the nightmares, illegalities in UPTH will put the management of the hospital on their feet to always think of patients first."

She added that the report was in line with the belief of Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, who stated that, "Investigative reporting is the vital tool for the restoration of human dignity." She regretted that some women have become victims of avoidable deaths as a result of severe neglect going on in UPTH.

NAWOJI expressed dismay that the UPTH management had the guts to go to a radio house just to dismiss "such laudable, balanced and well investigated report with glaring evidence from residents."

NAWOJ, therefore, berated the management of the UPTH for dismissing the verifiable report on a matter that has now brought succour to patients in the facility, urging the management to borrow a leaf from the management of Rivers State University, who acted proactively on media reports on the activities of Man 'O in its school.

While encouraging female journalists to remain courageous, focused and resolute in the discharge of their civic duties amid all odds as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, NAWOJ called on the management of UPTH to render an unreserved apology to The Guardian and its award-winning investigative reporter, Ann Godwin, for denying issues raised in the report.

"Our findings show that since The Guardian report as well as follow ups by other media houses in the state, there is slight improvement in UPTH. We expect the management to own up and sanitise its house," the statement added.

On his part, Wiro urged the management of UPTH to review its service and monitor activities of its staff.

"We implore UPTH to commend the media outfit for the report rather than criticising the organisation for doing a good job beneficial to the hospital.

"We equally urge The Guardian not to relent in publishing investigative reports that will ensure that public office holders and institutions are held accountable for their actions," he said.