Kogi NMA suspends chairman

The Nigerian Medical Association (Kogi chapter in the state) has suspended its chairman, Dr. Olusola Baoku, over alleged constitutional, administrative and financial violations.

Speaking to journalists at an extraordinary conference in the state capital Lokoja on Saturday, former NMA chairman Dr David Ayemila told reporters that a committee had been set up to remain in office until August 11, 2024, when elections would be held to create a new state government.

It was learnt that the Congress has resolved to ensure that no vacuum is created by empowering the Committee of Past Chairmen chaired by Ayemila and Dr Zubair Kabiru as Secretary to take over the running of the association until fresh elections are likely to be held and a new executive committee is appointed.

Ayemila attributed the crisis afflicting the association to the manner in which the deposed chairman handled the affairs of the association.

“Our committee was launched today, July 13, 2024, to monitor the activities of the Nigeria Medical Association until August 11, when a new leadership of the association will be elected,” Ayemila noted.

Ayemila explained that the decision to dissolve the former State Exco was a consequence of his failure to manage the association well and prevent avoidable challenges facing the association and the only way out was the appointment of a new interim management committee.

He blamed the inability of the dissolved state officials to organize meetings and thus justified the decision to establish a new body to manage the affairs of the association.

Ayemila implored the members to support and cooperate with her in carrying out her task.

He said: “Congress has also given more power to the Association of Former Chairmen by transferring all the powers of the Committee of State Officers to the Committee of Former Chairmen.

“The committee is to ensure that the medical and surgical measures proposed for Okene are carried out, including a successful election and annual general meeting.”

Recall that under Baoku, seven members of the Executive Committee for 2022-2023 resigned due to the crisis that rocked the association.