ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN NMA ENUGU ELECTIONS
The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) , Dr IAO Ujah FNMA, mni ( Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) has gotten unverified reports of skirmishes during the conduct of elections in some State branches of the Association in the country with some becoming outrightly violent.
While the association appreciates the passion of members for the association and the desire to be actively involved in the electoral processes across the country, it is instructive to note that as the foremost professional body in the country, we condemn in its entirety all forms of electoral violence.
Electoral violence of any form does not represent what we stand for as Nigerian Doctors and is clearly at variance with our ideals and ethos.
NMA believes in the sanctity of the ballot and members must be allowed to exercise their franchise through a free,fair and credible process devoid of any form of rancour or violence.
As members of the noble profession, we must continue to exhibit the highest levels of decorum in all our affairs, including before, during and after elections.
The President assures all members that the association will not fold her arms and allow a few persons to bring her to disrepute.
Therefore , the association will deliberate on these cases during her next National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for the 27th to 30th of August 2020 with all cases verified, thoroughly investigated and all those found culpable brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
In conclusion, we want to reiterate our belief in the sacred democratic values of one man,one vote and we also urge all the state branches of NMA yet to conduct their elections to ensure that these values and inalienable rights of members are never eroded.
Dr Aniekeme Uwah JP
National Publicity Secretary
nationalnma.org
07.08.20
