Ondo UNIMEDTH uncovers plan to blackmail acting CMD, Gbala

The authorities of the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) have raised concerns about a planned blackmail campaign against the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Mr. Michael Gbala, by unidentified individuals aiming to undermine his position.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of UNIMED, Akinjide Oluwatope, the institution revealed that it had uncovered attempts by a faceless group to disrupt its operations through unfounded allegations. Oluwatope suggested that the motives behind this blackmail are linked to efforts to thwart Gbala’s appointment as the substantive CMD.

The statement emphasized: “We have uncovered an attempt to blackmail the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Michael Olamide Gbala, by certain faceless groups who are being sponsored to undermine his position.”

The release praised Gbala’s exemplary performance over the past six months, noting that both the government and the citizens of Ondo State recognize his effective management. It asserted that there has been no evidence of financial misconduct associated with him, stating, “The services rendered by UNIMEDTH have been exemplary under Dr. Gbala’s stewardship.”

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Oluwatope further highlighted that reports from the Governor’s office reflect Dr. Gbala’s commendable leadership and that his staff could attest to his professionalism, clarifying that he has never diverted patients to his private clinic.

The statement continued, noting Dr. Gbala’s visible leadership style and the significant progress achieved at UNIMEDTH during his tenure. Initiatives mentioned include the creation of new specialist clinics and clinical departments, procurement of new equipment, revitalization of residency training, and infrastructural development. The report also pointed to the provision of free transportation for junior staff and integration of security staff into permanent roles.

The UNIMED management urged the public to disregard the false allegations and appealed to the hospital staff to maintain focus on their duties without being distracted by the ongoing campaign against their acting CMD. “Good performance and competence should be the issues of discussion and not blackmailing,” the statement concluded.