By Godwin Otang
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Cross River State chapter has called for the immediate release of Prof. Ekanem Philip Essien, a medical professor, who was kidnapped in Calabar 5 weeks ago.
The body expressed indignation over the continuous captivity of the Professor by her abductors, the body in a statement signed by the Chairman, Pharmacist Kenneth Ekanem Essien, and obtained by our newsroom, expressed “deep and excruciating pain over this issue which has resulted in a near- total collapse of health ecosystem in the state”.
They however appealed for the release of their colleague noting that her kidnapping has attracted a negative impact on the health system of Cross River State.
According to the statement, “The Executive Council, Fellows, Elders and members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Cross River State branch write to express our concerns, shock, and indignation over the kidnap of Prof. Ekanem Philip Ephraim, a Consultant Neurologist of international status, a distinguished and accomplished daughter of the soil, for about 5 weeks now”.
They added that, “We, therefore appeal passionately and with tears in our eyes, for a safe Cross River State that we will all be proud of and where healthcare activities nay, economic activities thrive without fear”.
The body noted that the kidnap of Prof. Ekanem and subsequent withdrawal of services by her colleagues to press for her release has resulted in negative impact on the health sector.