The National Vice President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Benjamin Jebutu, has called on the Kogi State Government to recognize Dr. Aazee Jimoh as the legitimate Chairman of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association.
He made this appeal in response to issues hindering the smooth operation of the Association in Kogi State.
Dr. Benjamin stated that the Apex body of the Association only recognizes the Dr. Aazee Jimoh-led executives and has issued a letter to that effect to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Commissioner of Police, and the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.
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He emphasized that those creating divisions are undermining the integrity of the Association and expressed disappointment over the disruptions that are threatening to tear the Association apart in Kogi State.
The Vice President noted that the body is led by the National President, Professor Bala Audu, who oversees and directs the activities of its branches across the country.
He assured that NMA, as one unified family, recognizes the Dr. Aazee Jimoh-led executive in Kogi State, along with Dr. Baoku Olusola as an Ex-officio member of NMA, having successfully served as the immediate past Chairman of the Association.
In his response, the immediate past State Chairman of the Association, Dr. Baoku Olusola, stated that the Association is facing internal crises due to conflicting interests and divergent opinions.
Dr. Baoku affirmed that he has remained a strong advocate, as mandated by the Association’s constitution, for better welfare packages and quality healthcare delivery.
He also noted that the National body of the Association has intervened in the crisis, setting the record straight regarding the Kogi NMA election and the emergence of Dr. Aazee Jimoh as the Chairman.
However, the Chairman of the opposing group, Dr. Abubakar Hassan, asserted that he was duly elected by members of the Association on August 10, 2024, in accordance with the Association’s by-laws.
He further emphasized that the Kogi issue has been raised at the National Executive Council meeting of the Association, with hopes for an amicable resolution by December 2024.
