Delta Govt Denies Secret Recruitment, Says Hiring Is Based on Merit

The Delta State Government has dismissed allegations of clandestine recruitment in its ongoing employment exercise across health institutions, insisting the process remains transparent and merit-based.

The clarification followed a protest by some community members at the Oghara Teaching Hospital, where demonstrators accused the Ministry of Health of conducting “secret employment” and sidelining local applicants.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, described the claims as unfounded and misleading, while acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful protest.

He stated that allegations of disregarded community-submitted lists and exclusion of indigenes do not reflect the reality of the recruitment process.

According to him, the exercise has strictly followed established guidelines to ensure fairness, transparency, and meritocracy.

The commissioner emphasized that recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and is not designed to favour or disadvantage any group or community.

He added that while host communities may show interest in institutions within their areas, employment in the health sector must be driven by competence and professional qualifications to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

Dr. Onojaeme further refuted claims of “secret recruitment,” stressing that no employment slots are being allocated outside the established process.

He also dismissed allegations of job placements being sold, warning that such claims could undermine public confidence in the system.

Reassuring applicants, he noted that all submissions are being evaluated under uniform and transparent criteria, with no exclusion based on origin or affiliation.

The commissioner urged the public to disregard unverified claims and avoid actions that could disrupt healthcare services, emphasizing dialogue as the best approach to resolving concerns.

He also commended Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the recruitment of 700 medical and non-medical personnel to strengthen the state’s health sector.