June 29, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has resolved the crisis that almost consumed the Prof. Emem Abraham-led executive in Akwa Ibom State, restoring the embattled Chairman and her vice, Dr. Aniekan Utuk.
According to Prof. Abraham, it took the intervention of the national executive council of the association to end the crisis, adding that complete calm has been restored.
Recall that the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State NMA and her Vice were impeached over alleged gross misconduct, high-handedness and misappropriation of funds.
The impeachment of the duo, according to reports, occurred during an Ordinary General Congress at the NMA Secretariat, Kilometer 8 Nwaniba Road, Uyo.
A motion for impeachment was nominated, seconded, and voted for by 71 members present at the Congress and the Secretary of the association, Dr. Usenobong Morgan Akpan, was appointed as acting chairman after the motion was nominated and accepted by Congress, even as the decision was ratified by the vote of 61 in favour against 13.
Prof. Abraham, who gave the update on the crisis in a media briefing at the conference hall of the officers’ mess along Udo Udoma Avenue on Friday, described the situation as unfortunate, saying it was the outcome of false allegations by persons who desired powers but through the backdoor.
She expressed appreciation to the national executive of NMA for the prompt intervention that has brought calm to the state chapter.
“Recall that about three weeks ago, there was news everywhere about the purported impeachment of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of NMA Akwa Ibom State, over unimaginable and completely false allegations.
“I want to inform you today that the national body of our association constituted a high-powered delegation, led by the 1st Vice President, to the state on a fact-finding mission. The delegation met with all the parties involved in the crisis and other concerned parties and elders in the State NMA. They gathered sufficient information for three days.
“They went back and the national body had a deliberation and came up with unbiased resolutions that vindicated me and my leadership.
“Gentlemen of the Press, I am still the Chairman of NMA Akwa Ibom State. Dr, Aniekan Utuk remains the Vice Chairman. The national body not only affirmed that but also passed a vote of confidence in me and my leadership.
“I know you would want to know the other part of the resolution; the suspension of the Secretary was lifted. Instead, he was referred to the disciplinary committee, which was set up by the State Executive Committee.
“Other members were also referred to the State Disciplinary Committee, while the other member was issued a warning,” the Chairman said.
She disclosed that preparation for the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will culminate in the election of new officers to serve in the 2024-2026 NMA year was in top gear.
Prof. Abraham mentioned that the Congress, under her leadership, had already constituted an electoral committee as well as the AGM committee and both are working tirelessly to ensure the success of the two events.
“I thank the Almighty God that all the allegations against me have been verified to be baseless, false, and of no consequences. It was only the figment of the imagination of those who wanted to grab power through the backdoor,” she added.
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