The Nigerian Medical Association in Cross
River State and the National Association of Seadogs have insisted that
the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh must be included in the 2014 National
Honours list.
They hinged their
arguments on the sacrifice made by the late medical consultant in the
process of combating the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease.
But
in separate interviews with our correspondent in Calabar on Monday, the
Chairman of the state NMA, Dr. Callistus Enyuma, said it was appalling
to note that the Federal Government released the names of the 2014
National Honours list, which excluded a post humus award for Adadevoh.
He
said, “One would expect that she should not be neglected when honours
are given. I believe it is not late for her to be included in the
honours list. She must have that honour.”
His
predecessor, Dr. Ofem Enang, said it was wrong to exclude Adadevoh in a
list where other Nigerians were honoured for carrying out their routine
duties.
Enang said, “A judge of the
Supreme Court does his regular work and he is being honoured: same for
the governor and civil servants, who all did their regular work and they
are being honoured. Meanwhile, this doctor has gone beyond the call of
duty and sacrificed her life, yet no recognition.
“The
notes that Adadevoh made regarding her life were notes that could not
be faulted worldwide. She sacrificed her life. What comes to mind in
this instance is that you are only recognised in Nigeria when you are
close to the government.”
In his
argument, the President of Jokaina Deck of NAS, Mr. Fabian Avoh,
wondered what yardstick was used by the Federal Government in drawing
the list.
Avoh said, “Let us ask the
Federal Government or precisely the Presidency what yardstick was used
in including all sorts of people in the list of the highest honour in
the land when that Adadevoh, who sacrificed her life, is not there?
“The
Federal Government needs to understand that the lady would have walked
away without attempting to treat that patient. Let the government give
credit to whom it is due.”
