CHRAN

TRIBUTES TO PROF DES WILSON @75

Today, Tuesday, 9th September 2025, the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) pays glowing tributes to a revered teacher and retired lecturer in the Department of Communication Arts, University of Uyo, Professor Desmond Wilson on his 75th birthday and 3rd Public Lecture and Book Presentation in his honour by the Prof. Akpan H. Ekpo Center for Public Policy (AHECPP), University of Uyo.

We note that Professor Wilson was one of those prominent activists in the struggle for the return to democracy during the dark days of the military dictatorship in Nigeria.

He is indeed, a veteran Comrade who has paid his dues in the human rights community in Nigeria. He never waivers in his stands for truth, justice and equity. His believe in the equality of all is second to none.

We celebrate him and congratulate him, while praying God to continue to protect, preserve and grant him good health.

Signed
Otuekong Franklyn Isong
(Director)

CHRAN PRESS RELEASE

MATERNAL MORTALITY IN GENERAL HOSPITAL IKOT EKPENE: GOV ENO APPOINTS CHRAN DIRECTOR, ORS INTO INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE

Following the unfortunate incident of a maternal death during childbirth at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has appointed the Director, Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklyn Isong into a 14-member Investigation Committee to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the event and recommend actionable steps to prevent a recurrence.

The Committee which is chaired by the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University and Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Prof. Israel Jeremiah was inaugurated on Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025, at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Health, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, who represented the Governor at the event.

The committee is tasked with investigating the clinical, administrative, and systemic factors that contributed to the maternal death and providing an evidence-based report to the Government of Akwa Ibom State through the Ministry.

The committee will also review all medical records and documentation related to the deceased patient’s antenatal care, labor, delivery, theatre and post-delivery management; Interview relevant medical personnel, administrative staff, and witnesses involved in the patient’s care; assess the readiness and functionality of equipment, manpower, and resources in the labor and delivery unit and theatre of the hospital; Determine whether there was any act of negligence, breach of protocol, or professional misconduct; Evaluate the hospital’s adherence to standard obstetric protocols and emergency response procedures and communication failures; Make recommendations for institutional, administrative, and clinical improvements to prevent future occurrences; Submit a detailed report of findings and recommendations to the Commissioner for Health within 10 days from the date of inauguration.

The composition of the Committee includes professionals drawn from the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesiology, nursing, hospital administration, law, and civil society organizations.

Other members of the Committee are Barr. Emem Ette, representing Ministry of Justice; Dr. Okon Emah, former Commissioner; Pastor Ekpedeme, representing Civil Service Commission; Mrs. Nsikan Jacob Udo, representing National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives; Dr. Unyime Ndoh, Representing Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

Others are Mrs. Patricia Etim, Director of Nursing Services; Mrs. Rosemary Obong, Director of Administration & Secretary of Committee; Prof. Maurice Ntiense Utuk, Professor of Obstetrics & Subject matter expert; Dr. Nsikak Nyoyoko, Consultant Obstetrician; Mrs. Mfon Akpan, Nurse/Midwife and Dr. Oku Okoiseh, Specialist Obstetrician.

PRESS RELEASE
UUTH: CHRAN URGES TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has urged public institutions in Nigeria to ensure transparency and accountability in the ex*****on of projects and in procurement processes.

The CHRAN made this assertion through its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong on Monday, August 18, 2025, while commending the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for adhering to Section 19(b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, in its Bid Opening exercise for the expression of interest for the ex*****on of 2025 Capital Projects.

The exercise took place at the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Administrative Block of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Comrade Isong, who observed the Bid Opening for Free Medical Outreach in Federal Medical Centre Uyo, Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State (Lot S1); Comprehensive Free Medical Outreach in Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State (Lot S2); and Medical Outreach for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, stated that the CHRAN was satisfied with the exercise.

Speaking further, the CHRAN boss observed that the exercise was conducted in accordance with the basic principles applicable to public procurement under the PPA, 2007, which are accountability, fairness, reliability, transparency, ethical standards, and economy.

By a letter dated August 14, 2025, and signed by Ms. Ekandem Antia-Obong, secretary, for the Chairman, Tenders Board of the UUTH, Uyo, the CHRAN was invited to participate in the exercise as an Observer in line with the PPA 2007.

The exercise which was presided over by the CMAC of the UUTH, Prof. U.I. Inyang, who represented the CMD, Prof. EmemAbasi Bassey, had in attendance, Dr. Joseph J. Akpan (DA) UUTH; Mrs. A. E. Bassey (DF) UUTH; Arc. Ute Uwe, HoD/Works UUTH; Otobong U. Etuk, S.L.O. UUTH; Joseph Mattew P.A.O. UUTH; Udoka, Idongesit, PAO, AGU, UUTH; Dr. Aniekan Peter, chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom Branch, and the Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, among others.

PRESS RELEASE

DSS CONFERS EXCELLENCE AWARD ON CHRAN DIRECTOR, OTUEKONG FRANKLYN ISONG

The Director, Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklyn Isong, has been conferred with an Excellence Award by the Department of State Services (DSS), Akwa Ibom State Command in recognition of his excellent support in the maintenance of security.

The award was presented to Comrade Isong at the South-South Geo-Political Zonal Quarterly Conference of State Directors of Security (SDSes) held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State on Friday, 15th August, 2025.

Presenting the award, the State Director of Security, Akwa Ibom State Command and host of the event, Adedoyin Adetuberu, OON, PhD, commended Franklyn Isong for his outstanding contributions in the human rights and civil society community through the CHRAN and for his support for the maintenance of security in Akwa Ibom State, in particular, and Nigeria, at large. The CHRAN was represented at the event by its Secretary, Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo.

The Opening Ceremony drew participants from all the security agencies in Akwa Ibom State, including the Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army; the Commander, NNS Jubilee; the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State; the Comptroller of Immigration, Akwa Ibom State; the Comptroller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State; the Commandant, EFCC, Akwa Ibom State; Corps Commander, FRSC, Akwa Ibom State; the Commandant, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom State, and the Commandant, NDLEA, Akwa Ibom State.

Other participants Included the Hon. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, PhD, who was represented by Hon. Friday Iwok; the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Ottong; the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Obot, who was represented by Hon. Justice Edem Akpan, and the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, HRM Akuku Okon Udo Ukut. The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Internal Security, Brig.-General. Koko Essien, was represented at the event, which was attended by all the State Directors of Security (SDSes) in the South-South Geo-Political Zone and other ranking officers within the Zone.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, DIG (rtd) Yemi Ogunjemilusi.

Goodwill messages were presented by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State; the Hon. Minister of Petroleum, Gas; the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State; representatives of all the security agencies in the State, and visiting SDSes while the SDS, Akwa Ibom State, Adedoyin Adetuberu, OON, PhD, welcomed guests and participants to the event.

The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to honourees, including the Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong.