The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has dismissed reports alleging a leadership crisis within the association, insisting that it remains united, functional, and unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of all medical and dental practitioners across the country.
In a statement titled “Sahara Reporters’ Publication: The NMA Remains United and Focused” issued on Thursday and signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, the association described the report of a crisis as “misleading, sensational, and completely unfounded.”
The NMA was reacting to a publication by Sahara Reporters, which claimed that the association’s state chairmen had passed a vote of no confidence in the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and the National Officers Committee (NOC). The report further alleged that the leadership failed to convene an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) within the stipulated 14-day period, despite meeting constitutional requirements.
Refuting these claims, the NMA stated emphatically that no such vote of no confidence had been passed and that the association’s leadership remains “intact, cohesive, and fully operational in accordance with the NMA constitution.”
“The report, which referenced a statement purportedly issued by a group of state chairmen operating under a platform alien to the constitution and organogram of the NMA, is entirely false, misleading, and without any foundation,” the association stated.
The NMA reaffirmed that it continues to function effectively within its constitutional framework, emphasizing that only communications and decisions from duly recognized organs of the association represent its official stance.
“While we respect members’ right to express opinions, no informal group or ad hoc platform holds the authority to speak or act on behalf of the NMA,” the statement noted.
Addressing the issue of the Emergency Delegates Meeting, the association clarified that the constitution allows members to request such a meeting, but only after proper verification of the identities of the signatories to ensure transparency and fairness.
“This verification process is currently ongoing in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the statutory body empowered by law to oversee such matters,” the NMA disclosed.
The association further reminded members and the public that under the current leadership, two Emergency Delegates Meetings have already been voluntarily convened this year, with the President fully committed to calling another once all constitutional conditions are satisfied.
Reiterating its focus on welfare and advocacy, the NMA stated that its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government remains active, while the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process is progressing steadily with encouraging outcomes expected soon.
The statement also reaffirmed the association’s strong partnership with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), describing it as a “vital affiliate” of the NMA.
“Their welfare concerns are our shared concerns. Under this administration, NARD has embarked on industrial action twice, and on both occasions, the NMA provided full support and engaged stakeholders constructively to achieve resolution. Any suggestion that the NMA seeks to undermine NARD or any affiliate body is baseless and untrue.”
The NMA urged members to remain calm, united, and focused, stressing that while disagreements may arise in any large, dynamic organization, they must always be managed with dignity, mutual respect, and strict adherence to due process.
“Members and the general public are strongly advised to rely solely on official NMA communication channels and to disregard misinformation or divisive narratives capable of undermining our collective goals.”
The statement concluded with a firm message of unity and resolve:
“The NMA stands strong. The NMA remains focused. The NMA is not in crisis.”
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