Nigerian Medical Association Edo state branch has suspended its Chairman and Deputy Chairman, Dr Udoka Imoisili and Dr Okwara Benson respectively, along with the Secretary, Dr Collins Otoikhila.
In a press release made available to journalists on Sunday, August 20 and signed by Dr Iluobe Inegbenosun, the acting chairman, and Dr Emeka Okoh, the association had said that the decision was made at the Business session of the 2023 Edo NMA Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held at the Doctors House in Benin, Edo State on Thursday, August 17.
“The AGM had elected to suspend the trio (chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary) for refusing to carry out their constitutional roles as demanded by the AGM.” The press release had stated.
A confidential ballot had been held, and 120 members agreed to suspend the trio while three voted against the move and another three members abstained.
The meeting continued with an adjusted and adopted agenda, and the following resolutions were achieved.
The Deputy Secretary, Dr Iluobe Inegbenosun would assume office as the acting Chairman for NMA Edo State with immediate effect as stipulated by the Edo NMA Rules and Regulation. The expelled officers would meanwhile, hand over the association properties in their possession to the present acting chairman within 48 hours of the concluded meeting.
Meanwhile, in reaction to their suspension, a statement titled: (Impersonation of the Office of Chairman and Secretary of Edo NMA) had been released by Imoisili and Otoikhila, accusing certain members and officers of the association, of playing a predetermined script to cause chaos and mayhem in the association.
“The most disrespectful action by these individuals is the mockery of my office and that of my Secretary by the PRO and Deputy Secretary who have been going about falsely exhibiting themselves as the real acting Chairman and acting Secretary with the sole intent to deceive the doctors in Edo State.”
“We use this medium to warn members of the association to ignore any information coming from these impersonators and go about their duties with professionalism.”
“We want to categorically state that the 2023 AGM is still in adjournment owing to security reasons.” Imoisili had quipped.