We’ve resolved our crisis – NMA chairman, A’Ibom State branch

Ini Billie Uyo

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Branch, said it has resolved its leadership crisis that rocked the association.

The chairman who was said to have been impeached, Prof. Emem Abraham explained that the intervention of the national NMA led to the resolution of the crisis after deliberating on the report of a high-powered delegation sent to investigate the matter.

Speaking at the weekend in Uyo, Abraham stated that the national body in its resolution passed a vote of confidence on her leadership and also lifted the suspension placed on the Secretary, Dr Useneobong Morgan.

She said that however, the Secretary and other members of the association implicated in the crisis were referred to the disciplinary committee set up by the State Executive Committee.

“The National body of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) constituted a high-powered delegation led by the Vice President for a fact-finding mission. The delegation met with all the parties involved in the crisis, and the elders in the medical profession in Akwa Ibom State.

“The national body deliberated on their report and came up with unbiased resolutions which condemned the purported impeachment and vindicated me the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and my leadership.

“The national body also lifted the suspension that was placed on the Secretary. But beyond that, he was referred to the disciplinary committee which was set up by the State Executive Committee. Other members of the association implicated in this Crisis were also referred to the Disciplinary Committee.

“Right now, we are preparing for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will culminate in the election of new officers to serve in the 2024/2026 NMA year.

“The Congress under my leadership has already constituted the election committee as well as the Annual General Meeting committee and they are working.

“I thank the Almighty God that all the allegations against me have been verified to be baseless, false, and of no consequence. I want to use this opportunity to call on all Doctors practising in Akwa Ibom State to join hands together to build this association and by extension improve the health indices of all Akwa Ibomites, even as we key into the ARISE Agenda of this administration,” she stated.

On the allegations against her, the Chairman said, “Well I want to let you know that the main reason behind all those issues was the election that is coming. Concerning the allegation of financial impropriety, we have not even presented our financial report.

“It is in the AGM that we are going to present our financial report and it will be very clear to everybody that not even a kobo was misappropriated,” she explained.

While speaking, the Public Relations Officer of NMA, Akwa Ibom State Branch, Dr Unyime Ndoh, said the implementation of resolutions of the national body has already begun. “The Secretary who was suspended has already been restored to his position. And all the benefits and responsibilities of the Secretary were restored. We are committed to implementing the resolutions of the national body,” he said.