The Nigerian Army has appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta state chapter to shelve the planned sit at home protest following the molestation of a medical doctor, Raphael Onyemekehia.
Some soldiers who were enforcing the 48-hour curfew imposed by the Delta state government had on Saturday assaulted Dr Onyemekehia by forcing him to sit in a pool of muddy water at Airport road junction, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The Army represented by the Sector One Commander, Colonel S. Ahmed said it was deeply saddened by the treatment meted on the medical doctor of the Central Hospital, Warri during the curfew.
Ahmed who received a delegation of the NMA led by the Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Nwose assured medical personnel and all those on essential duties that they will not be molested.
He said disciplinary action will be meted on the officers who embarrassed and molested the doctor noting that after he had introduced himself they should have allowed him to pass since he was on duty.
The Army Commander stated that the military will not condone such behaviours by its men and officers in their engagements with civilians noting that the importance of health workers and other essential service providers particularly at this period cannot be overemphasized.
The Warri NMA Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Nwose had expressed the disappointment and dissatisfaction of his members at the maltreatment of Dr Raphael Onyemekehia, a nurse in Udu Local Government Area and a female doctor in Asaba.
Nwose said doctors have resolved to sit at home until the assurances of their safety, an apology, and disciplinary measures taken against the erring soldiers.
