• Accuse minister of promoting lawlessness
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria (AMLSN) has accused Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, of deliberately violating the law establishing MLSCN, by pushing for the appointment of Babajide Salako, an unqualified person to chair the board of the council.
The association thus objected and rejected the appointment, insisting that the appointment be withdrawn immediately of which failure could result in industrial action.
AMLSCN President, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, told journalists at a press conference in Abuja, on Monday, that their action was because Dr. Salako, was not qualified for the position because he didn’t meet the requirements as highlighted by the Law establishing the Council.
He made reference to Section 3 (1) (a) of the law, Act CAP (M25) LFN 2004 (Act 11 of 2003), duly enacted by the National Assembly and signed by the then President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, which defined clearly the qualifications of who can be appointed as the Chairman of the Board of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
“The Law, Section 3, Subsection (a) of the Act CAP (M25) LFN 2004 states thus: (1) There is established for the Council a Governing Board (in this Act referred to as “the Board”) consisting of (a) a Chairman who shall be a qualified Fellow of MLSCN with five years post qualification experience, and shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister from a list of Fellows submitted by the AMLSCN.
“Salako does not fulfil the above credentials enunciated in Section 3, Subsection 1(a) of the Act CAP (M25) LFN 2004 (Act 11 of 2003). The well-known tradition usually adhered to for such appointments dictate that only a doctor must head the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria; a pharmacist for the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria; and ditto for the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Why will a doctor be appointed as chairman of MLSCN instead of a medical laboratory scientist?”
He insisted Alausa was foisting Salako on the association in violation of the law because he is his friend and classmate.
He said: “Alausa is said to be a friend of the president, but this attempt to foist his friend Salako, at all costs as chairman of MLSCN is a step capable of truncating all the good intentions of Mr. President in the health sector.
“Foisting Salako on MLSCN, and in a high position for which he lacks the qualifications or experience is a sure step towards destroying medical laboratory testing in Nigeria.”
Casmir assured leadership of AMLSCN is determined to promote industrial harmony.
“However, our pleas are predicated on the interest of the rule of law and avoidance of schism in the governance and regulatory mandate of the MLSCN.
“However, if this untoward situation is not redressed as quickly as possible, AMLSN will be unable to guarantee the availability of quality medical laboratory testing in Nigeria, both in private and public. Until then, we call on all our members to remain calm but be on the alert for the next line of action.”