NMA Delegates Suspend President, Set Up Caretaker Committee

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has suspended its national president, Prof. Bala Audu, over alleged violations of the association’s constitution, and appointed a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs.

The decision was taken at an Emergency Delegates Meeting held in Abuja, attended by representatives from 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Delegates accused the Audu-led National Officers Committee (NOC) of acting outside its mandate by disqualifying six aspirants from the forthcoming national elections scheduled to hold during the association’s Annual General Meeting in Kano.

A caretaker committee, chaired by former secretary-general Dr. Ekpe Phillips, was constituted to manage the association pending the conduct of elections and to facilitate disciplinary processes against the affected officials.

The meeting also resolved to reverse the disqualification of the six aspirants, directing that they be allowed to contest in the elections.

A delegate at the meeting said the action became necessary after efforts to resolve the dispute internally failed.

“We made several attempts to address this issue peacefully, but there was no response. What was done clearly contradicts the constitution of the association,” the delegate said.

Chairman of NMA in the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Emeka Ayogu, backed the decision, noting that the move was aimed at preserving unity within the association.

“This step is to safeguard the integrity of the association and ensure it remains focused on members’ welfare,” he said.

Another member, Dr. Umezurike Ikechukwu, also expressed concern over the development, warning against actions that could undermine the stability of the association.

The NMA is yet to receive an official response from Prof. Audu as of the time of filing this report.