Rt. Rev. Barr. Otuekong Ukut, Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Atamunu Diocese, has threatened legal action against Dr Kaiser William Etta, Director of Health Services at the Directorate of Medical Services, University of Calabar, over a medical report issued to Reverend Victor Uloh following an alleged physical assault.
The medical report, dated April 30, 2025, was linked to Uloh’s claim that Bishop Ukut assaulted him during the diocese’s Annual Synod in Calabar. It was later circulated on Facebook and other online platforms.
In a formal letter from his legal representatives, Victor Okon & Co., Bishop Ukut described the report as defamatory and unethical.
“Our client informed us that his attention has been drawn by friends, Clergy and members of Methodist Church Nigeria, and outside Nigeria to a purported medical report, issued to Uloh Victor Okon, by you, in your capacity as the Director of Health Services, Directorate of Medical Services, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, and published on Facebook: Sahara Reporters and other online Social Media Platforms,” the letter stated.
The lawyers argued that the contents of the report breached professional standards.
“It is apparent that the contents of the purported medical report are contrary to Medical Ethics and the Provisions of the Medical and Dentel Practitioners Act CAP MB LFN 2004 and is completely below the standard required of a qualified Medical Practitioner of your age and standing,” they wrote.
They accused Dr Etta of attempting to “blackmail demean and tarnish the integrity and the reputation of our client,” adding that Bishop Ukut was overwhelmed with calls from Methodist members across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
“Our client informed us that he was bombarded with calls from Methodist members from Baltimore, Sacramento, Washington DC and Albany in United States of America, Canada: United Kingdom, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Zumbabwe enquining to know the rationale for the issuance the purported distorted medical report,” the lawyers said.
The letter described the report’s publication as causing “psychological trauma and lowered his self-esteem, reputation and Office as the Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Atamunu Diocese.”
Victor Okon & Co. have demanded a public apology and retraction within seven days, warning of a formal petition to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria if Dr Etta fails to comply.
“We have instruction to write and demand that you retract the purported distorted Medical Report that had gone viral online, and publish a written apology on SaharaReporters, Facebook and other online Social Media Platforms within seven (7) days from the date of the receipt of this letter, else we shall perfect the instruction of our client by petitioning the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, on this infamous conduct,” the letter read.