Laboratory Council Leadership Tussle Pitches Health Minister against SGF

By Paul Obi in Abuja

The current crisis rocking the leadership of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) appears to have pitched the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.

The leadership tussle which has lasted for nearly three months originated when the minister of health directed the MLSCN through a letter signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Patience Osinubi and dated 19th February, 2016 to declare the Office of the Chief Registrar of the council vacant.

The letter was issued notwithstanding the fact that the then Chief Registrar, Prof. Anthony Emeribe’s tenure was still on. Also, the minister was alleged to have abused the provision of the MLSCN Act, stipulating that, appointment of the Chief Registrar shall be carried by the board

This was followed with a restraining order from the National Industrial Court, insisting that the status quo should be maintained and followed pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Again, Prof. Adewole was said to have ignored another directive from the SGF office to him with Ref: NO.56331 demanding that the ministry “wait for the legal process to be concluded” before taking any step to oust Emeribe.