By Ojoma Akor
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has dismissed reports of the suspension of the Prof. Bala Audu-led national executives of the association.
The association also said there are no factions within it.
National secretary of the association, Dr Benjamin Egbo, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing reporters.
He also denied reports that the association’s secretariat in Abuja was shut down as a result of the crisis.
He said, ” There is no faction in the NMA. There is a group of individuals who have refused to abide by constitutional provisions and are resorting to self-help to cause disruptions. So the issue of balkanization or factions in the association does not arise in any way.”
He explained that the root of the controversy is that six candidates were disqualified from contesting in the upcoming elections due to incomplete nomination forms.
He said, “Out of 20 candidates, six failed to complete their forms properly. Even a sitting member of the National Officers’ Committee was disqualified. Where, then, is our bias?”
Dr. Egbo also said there was no targeted exclusion, adding that only one out of four presidential aspirants failed to meet the stipulated criteria.
He explained that those who carried out the purported suspension of the executives lack constitutional powers to do so, adding that the national officers are highly disappointed in their conduct.
He said an illegal meeting was allegedly held by 54 doctors, adding that the NMA comprises more than 50,000 doctors nationwide.
He said, “How can 54 individuals overturn decisions reached by over 50,000 doctors at a duly constituted AGM?”
He said the disgruntled group requested an emergency delegates’ meeting but failed to meet constitutional requirements. According to him, instead of complying with constitutional requirements, they allegedly held an illegal meeting.
He also highlighted that the NMA secretariat in Abuja was fully operational and that the NMA leadership was collaborating with law enforcement agents to prevent unauthorized entry.
“They came with thugs to cause mayhem. We instructed security personnel to deny them access. The secretariat was never shut down,” he said.
While commending the Nigeria Police Force for its role in maintaining order during the incident, he said that no disruption will occur during the coming AGM, as preventive measures are being implemented.
He said that the National Executive Council meeting remains the appropriate channel for addressing grievances. He also said that the association is committed to due process, including the fulfillment of all its long-term goals.
He said, ” I can assure you that we don’t have any fear of disruption at the AGM because we are in contact with the security agencies.”
