The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the federal government of permitting physicians to dominate both the health and education sectors in Nigeria.
In the petition signed by ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, the association criticized the Tinubu administration for repeatedly yielding to what they described as "blackmail tactics" employed by physician-dominated associations.
According to the petition made available to BenriNews on Wednesday, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have been subjugating other professional bodies in both sectors.
Call for Immediate Government Action
Ezeh appealed to President Tinubu to address the issue without delay, emphasizing that national growth and development would become stunted if the federal government fails to take decisive action.
"Most public sector appointments have strict conditions precedent, which make the appointment lawful. The ineptitude of the FG to succumb to this shameful blackmail leaves a sour taste in the mouth," Ezeh stated in the petition.
He further described the situation as "McCarthyism at work... a monopolistic stranglehold that subdues every other discipline."
Alleged Abuse of Power
The ACPN chairman also accused hospital Chief Executive Officers of abusing their powers, citing an instance where "The CEO punished a Grade Level 17 officer and replaced him with the fourth in line simply for daring to uphold professional standards."
Additionally, Ezeh urged President Tinubu to address disparities in remuneration of workers in both the health and education sectors, concluding that "The time to act is now, in the public interest."
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