The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the manner Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji was arrested at the weekend in Enugu by alleged security operatives.

 

Aghaji, an internationally acclaimed cardiothoracic surgeon, renowned academic, distinguished statesman and one of Nigeria’s foremost medical icons, was reportedly taken from his residence in the early hours of Friday, July 3.

 

Sources stated that Aghaji’s arrest might not be unconnected with the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Aghaji is Kanu’s personal doctor.

 

Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor had taken to his Twitter handle at the weekend to alert about the arrest of Aghaji, alleging that it must be in connection with medical report he issued on Kanu.

 

The Enugu branch of the NMA had convened State Officers Council (SOC) at the weekend on receiving information about the development.

 

A communiqué from the meeting signed by the State Chairman, Dr Sunday Okafor and Secretary, Dr Chima Edeoga, while decrying the manner of the arrest, recognised the constitutional responsibilities of security agencies, but maintained however that every citizen deserved to be treated with dignity and in accordance with due process.

 

The doctors stated that upon receiving reports from concerned medical elders and members of the Association, the leadership of NMA Enugu State commenced extensive engagements with relevant government and security authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

“These engagements included the Office of the Security Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State, the Nigeria Police Force through both the Divisional Police Officer, Independence Layout Division, and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as other relevant Stakeholders”, the statement said

 

Explaining that “no specific reasons for his arrest have not been officially communicated”, they resolved to convene an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of all members of the Association to fully deliberate on the development and collectively determine appropriate professional and lawful actions.

 

They resolved to continue engaging all relevant authorities with a view to securing the immediate release of Professor Aghaji or ensuring that his constitutional rights are fully protected, including access to his family, legal representation and necessary medical care where applicable.

 

“To formally notify the National Officers’ Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association and request immediate clarification and coordinated advocacy in the interest of justice and the protection of members of the medical profession”, he said

 

The Association said it remained committed to lawful engagement and constructive dialogue while closely monitoring developments.

 

“We assure all members that every legitimate effort is being deployed to protect the rights and welfare of our distinguished colleague”, the statement said, while requesting its members to remain calm, united and vigilant and await further directives from the Association.