Suntai’s Doctor, 13 Others Face Probe for Negligence, Misconduct

The personal physician to the ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State, Dr. Zakari Aliyu, is among the 14 doctors arraigned at the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal in Abuja for misconduct.

Aliyu, who was also the Chief Medical Director at Taraba State Specialist Hospital, is facing one-count charge of divulging information regarding the health record of the governor which was published by media houses.

According to the charge sheet, Aliyu’s conducted himself “infamously in respect of the offence contrary to rule 44 of the code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition and punishable under section 16(1) (a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M8 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

Aliyu, who was also absent at the first sitting, in his letter to the tribunal, requested that his matter be shifted to a later date.

The former Chief Medical Director had since relocated to the United State and could not show up at the court sitting.

Beside Aliyu, about 13 other medical doctors are expected to appear before the tribunal for various offences ranging from improper conduct to negligence of duty.

The tribunal has the status of a High Court as its judgment can be appealed only before the Court of Appeal.

Others doctors expected to appear before the tribunal which commenced a four day sitting starting from yesterday are Fibian Osuji, Freeman Miri, Sunday Elusoji, Iyiola Joseph, Obafemi Kuye, Mukaila Oyewunmi, Erinfolarin Adebayo, Bolanle Adeyemi Ola, Rasaq Akintunde Akindele and Olaide Festus Bolaji.

The doctors will be appearing before the tribunal for the first time, while trial of Amos Essien, Asemota Omoruyi Orhi, David Udoh and Adolphus Oraifo has been ongoing.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the tribunal, Prof. Jonathan Azubuike, said the tribunal would take all necessary steps to ensure quick dispensation of justice, stressing that “a lot of water has passed under the bridge, and we have been struggling to ensure that cases get judgments.”

He also requested that doctors standing trials appear in person.

Most prosecuting counsel were not on ground at the commencement of hearing, which prompted the adjournment of the case.

One of the doctors, Sunday Elusoji was said to be writing an examination in Lagos, thereby necessitating the adjournment of the trial till Thursday.