Written by Stevenie Michaels
A leadership crisis has rocked the Enugu State council of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) as two individuals, Dr. Chibuzo Eminem Ndiokwelu and Dr. Sunday Okafor, claim to be the chairman of the association.
Dr. Ndiokwelu, who addressed a press conference on July 30, 2024, claimed that his executive was ratified during the association's Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually on July 27. On the other hand, Dr. Okafor addressed a news conference on August 1, 2024, after his election and swearing-in, which followed their AGM on July 31 at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH).
While the national leadership of the association backs Ndiokwelu's faction, the majority of doctors and the state government are said to support Okafor's faction.
Dr. Ndiokwelu pledged to address key issues such as security threats, poor working conditions, and quackery, and to promote solidarity within the medical community in Enugu State. He emphasized his commitment to bridging divides and embracing all members.
On the other hand, Dr. Okafor pledged to restore the glory of the association in Enugu State and advised members who have created a faction to retrace their steps and fall back to the fold.
Both factions have advised the general public to disregard any group or individuals parading themselves as officers of the association in Enugu State, stating that they are ready to deliver on their mandate.
The executives of both factions have been announced, with Dr. Ndiokwelu's team comprising Dr. Ijeoma Charles-Ugwuagbo as Deputy Chairman, Dr. Agbo Chukwuemeka as General Secretary, and others. Dr. Okafor's team includes Dr. Obinna Nevo as Deputy Chairman, Dr. China Edoga as General Secretary, and others.
