August 10, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State Chapter, has passed a vote of no confidence in the State Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, and demanded his immediate transfer from the State.
The demand, according to the association, is “on the premise of inefficiency and levity”, following the abduction of one of its members, Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim.
The State chapter of the NMA also demanded a N100 million compensation for the family of the kidnapped Neurology Professor from the Cross River State Government.
This was revealed after the Emergency General Meeting of the association in Calabar, in a release signed by Dr. Felix Archibong (State Chairman) and Dr. Amaku Etim (State Secretary).
The association, in an eleven points prayer, said the withdrawal of medical services, which was embarked upon following the abduction of Professor Ekanem over 20 days ago, be sustained.
“NMA-CRS demands in clear terms, devoid of ambiguity, the proof of the existence (PROOF OF LIFE) of our Distinguished Erudite Professor of Neurology, Prof. Ekanem Philip-Ephraim, who is still in captivity, within the next 24 hours.
“That NMA-CRS demands in strong terms that the State Government, as a matter of urgency, issues a strong rejoinder debunking the fake news circulating the media space about the demise of our member.
“In furtherance of the aforementioned, the State Government must institute a compensation of not less than N100 million to the deceased family.
“The NMA-CRS wishes to reiterate its intentions that, going forward, in any case of kidnapping involving our members, the ransom will be paid by the State Government.
“That the NMA-CRS passes a VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE on the Commissioner of Police (CP), Cross River State, on the premise of inefficiency and levity and demands for his immediate transfer.
“The Association also calls on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General, Department of State Services to, as a matter of urgency, declare a State of Emergency on security in Cross River State and immediately give directives for the mobilisation of human and material resources to effectively curtail the increasing spate of insecurity within the State,” the release read in part.
However, in a swift response, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, said the Police Commissioner and the Deputy have not been asleep but are working round the clock to secure Professor Ekanem’s release.
She added that the State is relatively safe and assured the NMA that the Professor would be released in due course.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
