THE Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on Tuesday resumed a three days sitting yesterday even as the Medical Doctor to Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State was absent. The Governor’s Medical doctor, Dr. Zakari Aliyu who was also the Chief Medical Director at the Taraba State Specialist Hospital is undergoing trial at the tribunal in the case of improper professional conduct.

   Aliyu is facing one count charge of divulging information regarding the health record of Governor Suntai which was published by media houses.

    According to the charge sheet, Aliyu’s conducted himself “infamously in a respect 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.”

   The tribunal has the status of a High Court as it’s  judgement  can be appealed only before the Court of Appeal.

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

       The former Chief Medical Director who has relocated to the United State (US) in his letter explained that the nature of his work in the university it would be difficult for him to appear before the tribunal during these period and therefore want the tribunal to pick a new date for him to appear.

       Expressing his regret, Aliyu further explained that he was in the country at the last proposed date but unfortunately, the tribunal did not sit as a result of the public holiday declared by the Federal Government for the World Economic Forum (WEF).

His absence, he said was due to the fact that could not get another international permit within a short period.

      Shortly after reading his letter which was accepted by the members of the tribunal, his legal team announced their withdrawer from the case.

   Aliyu’s counsel led by Barrister Bulus Solomon said they would prefer that subsequently he (Aliyu) be served directly.

       Though, it was not known if he (Aliyu) has appointed a new counsel, the tribunal however turned down the application saying since they have access to him, they will still remain the only source through which the notice paper will be served.