Monday, February 2, 2026 - The Management of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has strongly refuted allegations by Mr Paul Haanongon that the hospital deliberately withheld his salaries for eight months.
Mr Haanongon had, during a live broadcast on his Facebook
page on February 1, 2026, accused the hospital’s management under the
leadership of the Chief Medical Director, Dr Terungwa Stephen Hwande, of
intentionally stopping his salary.
However, in a rejoinder signed by the Chief Information
Officer/Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Tsenzughul Moses F., the
hospital described the claims as “false, misleading and reckless,” insisting
that they were aimed at misleading the public and undermining the integrity of
the institution.
The hospital management clarified that Mr Haanongon is
currently facing five separate disciplinary cases involving acts classified as
serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules (PSR 030402).
According to the statement, in line with PSR 030301 and PSR
030306, any officer undergoing investigation for serious misconduct may
lawfully be placed on interdiction and is not entitled to full salary pending
the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.
“The actions taken by Management in respect of Mr Haanongon
are lawful, justified, and strictly in compliance with extant public service
regulations,” the statement said.
Management further noted that, contrary to his public
claims, Mr Haanongon had been formally issued queries, notified of the
allegations against him, and given the opportunity to respond in line with the
principle of fair hearing as prescribed under PSR 030302.
The hospital accused him of refusing to submit himself to
constituted disciplinary authorities and of challenging established procedures,
describing such conduct as a disregard for lawful authority and due process
within the public service.
BSUTH also expressed concern over his decision to use social
media to address matters already under formal disciplinary consideration,
stating that such conduct amounts to additional misconduct under PSR 030401,
which prohibits acts prejudicial to the discipline, reputation, and orderly
administration of the public service.
“No public servant is permitted to circumvent laid-down
disciplinary mechanisms through blackmail, sensationalism or public
misrepresentation,” the statement added.
The management warned that continued dissemination of what
it termed falsehoods and defamatory statements against the hospital and its
leadership would attract appropriate sanctions as provided under the Public
Service Rules and other applicable laws.
It urged members of the public to disregard Mr Haanongon’s
allegations, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and
adherence to the rule of law in handling staff discipline and welfare matters.
0 Comments