By The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the alleged assault, arrest and detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), allegedly carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a directive issued to the Chairman of the NMA in Akwa Ibom State and all other state and FCT branches, the association described the incident as “reckless and barbaric,” insisting that medical professionals should not be harassed while carrying out life-saving duties.
The directive, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Olayinka Atilola, stated that the National Officers Committee (NOC) of the NMA, led by Afekhide Ernest Omoti, had been fully briefed on the matter and had commenced high-level engagements to seek redress.
According to the statement, the association would not tolerate any form of intimidation or harassment of doctors in the course of their professional duties.
“The NOC condemns, in the strongest possible terms, such alleged reckless and barbaric behaviors allegedly displayed by operatives of the EFCC within the premises of a public hospital and against medical personnel in the course of their daily duty of rendering life-saving services,” the statement read.
The NMA further announced its full support for all lawful actions already taken by its Akwa Ibom State branch in response to the incident, including any additional measures aimed at securing justice for the affected doctors.
The association also directed all its state and FCT branches to henceforth demand the identification and prosecution of any law enforcement agents involved in unlawful harassment of doctors while on duty.
While condemning the alleged actions of the operatives, the NMA clarified that it was not opposed to legitimate law enforcement activities, provided such operations are carried out within the bounds of the law and with respect for professional ethics and human dignity.
“It must, however, be noted by all law enforcement agencies and members of the public that nothing in this directive suggests that law enforcement agents should not carry out their lawful duties, but that such activities must be in accordance with the highest ethical standards for law enforcement, rule of law, decorum and common decency expected of modern law enforcement establishments,” the statement added.
