The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has condemned a gathering of some doctors in Abuja on April 22, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to the association’s unity.
The association said the meeting was organised in defiance of an earlier directive issued by the National Officers Committee of the NMA, insisting that the assembly lacked legitimacy and recognition within the established structure of the body.
It warned that any resolutions or decisions reached at the meeting were null and void, stressing that such actions could undermine the constitutional order and institutional integrity of the association.
The NMA Lagos also accused those involved of prioritising personal ambition over the welfare and professional interests of Nigerian doctors at a time when efforts were being made to improve working conditions and remuneration.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Babajide Kehinde Saheed, the association described the gathering as “unconstitutional, illegal, reckless, and highly unprofessional,” adding that it neither enjoyed the support nor endorsement of the Lagos branch.
The statement read in part, “This unlawful assembly neither enjoys the support nor endorsement of NMA Lagos State. It represents a deliberate assault on the constitutional order, institutional integrity, and collective unity of the Nigerian Medical Association. Consequently, any decisions, resolutions, or pronouncements emanating from such an illegitimate gathering are null, void, and of no consequence whatsoever.”
The association expressed concern that some individuals were allegedly more interested in acquiring political positions within the NMA than advancing the welfare of doctors.
“It is highly unfortunate that certain individuals appear to be more interested in the desperate acquisition of political positions within the Association than in the genuine welfare, professional dignity, and advancement of Nigerian doctors. Leadership within the NMA must never be reduced to a selfish contest for personal ambition,” it stated.
PUNCH Healthwise earlier reported that the NMA on Wednesday suspended its National President, Prof. Bala Audu, over alleged breaches of the association’s constitution.
The decision, taken at an Emergency Delegates Meeting in Abuja and attended by 63 members, including chairmen and secretaries from 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was based on the disqualification of six aspirants from contesting national offices at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled to hold next week.
Continuing, the Lagos chapter also criticised what it described as selective activism by those involved, noting that some had previously failed to support efforts aimed at improving doctors’ welfare.
“It is both shameful and disappointing that some of these same individuals remained silent when a few of us were consistently agitating for improved welfare, better remuneration, safer working conditions, and stronger professional protection for Nigerian doctors. Suddenly, they have now become self-appointed defenders of doctors’ rights only when political offices are involved,” the statement added.
The association noted that the development was coming at a time when progress was being made on doctors’ remuneration at the federal level, urging members to focus on ensuring such gains extend to state-employed doctors.
“This is the time we should be holding state governments accountable and demanding that whatever is applicable to federal doctors must equally apply to state-employed doctors,” it stated.
The NMA Lagos warned that actions capable of creating division within the association could derail ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of doctors, describing such moves as “selfish, irresponsible, and dangerous.”
It also urged those involved in the Abuja meeting to respect the constitution of the association and learn from past attempts that failed due to disregard for due process.
“No association can survive where rules are sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition. The Constitution of the NMA is not a document of convenience; it is the foundation of our collective existence and professional integrity,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of doctors, the association said it would continue to pursue the protection of members’ professional dignity, security, and interests through lawful and transparent processes.
It, however, called on members to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to professionalism, unity, and constitutional order.
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