Iyayi: NMA Urges FG to Constitute Official Inquiry

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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Monday called on the federal government to constitute an official inquiry on the road accident that claimed the life of the former President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Festus Iyayi.

The association also called on the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) to put to an end, the reckless driving of convoys on the roads.

President of NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, made these remarks yesterday, when he led a delegation of the association on a condolence visit to the family of Iyayi in Benin City, Edo State.

According to him, "While we mourn the extremely sad and tragic death of this dogged and courageous fighter for socio-economic and political justice in Nigeria, and an unrepentant crusader for restoration of standards and excellence in university education, we are pained that his death followed another despicable act of recklessness and impunity by executive convoys.

The NMA, therefore, called on the federal government to institute an urgent official inquiry into the circumstances that led to Iyayi’s death while machinery is urgently put in motion by the FRSC to put an end to the recklessness of executive convoys whose intolerable impunity has sent many innocent and productive Nigerians to their early graves.”

Besides, Enabulele enjoined the federal government to fast track repairs and completion of the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Highway.

“We restate our call on governments at federal, state and local government levels to be more committed to the development of the transport system, particularly in terms of fixing and regularly maintaining the several bad roads and death traps that dot Nigeria’s highways and landscape,” he said.

The NMS President further noted that Nigeria and indeed the academia would miss Iyayi’s inspirational literary works and frank contributions to the resolution of the several questions bordering the existence of the Nigerian state which are most needed now.

While hoping this would be the last act of recklessness of executive convoys, he said "we pray for the speedy recovery and perfect healing of all those who suffered various degrees of bodily injury.”

Enabulele therefore urged the family to take consolation in the fact that the late activist lived a good life with many accomplishments that many people would wish to achieve in life.

Responding on behalf of the family, son of late Iyayi, Oriabure, thanked the association for the visit and expressed hope that NMA would continue to uphold the ideals of the struggle by continuing with the association's current efforts to give voice to the voiceless, healthcare for ordinary Nigerians and fighting for the common interest of the masses which his father fought and died for.