BSUTH CMD Warns Against False Asset Declaration, Sets November for 2027 Promotion Exams
By Armstrong Tseaa, Makurdi
The Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, has cautioned staff against anticipatory or false declaration of assets, warning that such actions could attract serious consequences in the future.
Dr. Hwande gave the warning on Tuesday during a public enlightenment programme on asset declaration jointly organised by BSUTH and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
He described asset declaration as a constitutional requirement aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in the public service.
The CMD urged members of staff to approach the exercise with honesty and sincerity, stressing that accurate asset declaration protects public officers while strengthening public confidence in government institutions. He noted that compliance with the constitutional provision would discourage unlawful acquisition of wealth and foster ethical conduct among public servants.
Dr. Hwande commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for the ongoing transformation across the state, particularly in the health sector.
He also lauded the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare and expressed appreciation to the Code of Conduct Bureau for organising the sensitisation programme.
Highlighting the hospital’s commitment to staff welfare, the CMD disclosed that the management had implemented step increments, promotions and other welfare packages for employees.
He further directed the Director of Administration to commence preparations for the 2027 promotion examination by November 2026 to ensure adequate budgetary provision.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of Legal Services and Head of the Legal Unit at BSUTH, Dr. Stella Naswem, said the enlightenment programme was organised to help workers comply with constitutional provisions on asset declaration.
She urged participants to take advantage of the exercise to complete and submit their declaration forms correctly and within the stipulated period.
In her presentation, the Benue State Director of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mrs. Chiaka Emeh, explained that the Bureau was established by the Nigerian Constitution to uphold ethical standards among public officers.
She advised staff to submit their completed asset declaration forms within 30 days and demonstrated the proper procedures for completing the forms.
Mrs. Emeh was accompanied by Mr. Pius Uka, Mr. Kenneth Idoko and Mrs. Elizabeth Onah, who also participated in the sensitisation exercise.
The programme featured an interactive question-and-answer session during which participants sought clarification on asset declaration procedures and other compliance issues.
In his vote of thanks, the Director of Audit and Head of the Audit Department, Mr. Daniel Pever, appreciated the officials of the Code of Conduct Bureau for the enlightening session and assured them that the BSUTH community would ensure the completion and submission of the asset declaration forms within the stipulated timeframe.
