Barring any last minute change of plans or any unforseen contingencies, Nigerian Physiotherapists under the unbrella of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) will on friday elect a new president to pilot the affairs of the profession for the next two years.

 

The election is part of the numerous activities to mark the 56th Annual scientific conference and general meeting tagged "Kada 2016" scheduled to hold in Kaduna from 23rd  to 29th October 2016.

 

The conference with the theme "Deepening the knowledge and practice of Physiotherapy for effective patients care and professional advancement" and sub theme "Professionalism, packaging and delivery of Physiotherapy" is expected to discuss various matters affecting the practice with the aim of proferring solutions.

 

So far, two professionals are standing in for the presidency, they are Prof. Rufus Adesoji Adedoyin popularly known as 'Prof ARA' and Dr. Rufai Ahmed Yusuf popularly known as 'Dr RAY'. While ARA is a Professor of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy and the head of Medical Rehabilitation department, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, RAY is a senior lecturer and former head of Physiotherapy Department, Bayero University Kano and presently the deputy dean of faculty of Allied Health sciences of the same university. Coincidentally, both are honourary consultants to their teaching hospitals.

 

NSP currently uses delegate system of voting where different state chapters present a certain number of delegates in accordance with their financial strength. A state can produce a maximum of 10 delegates.

Many Physiotherapists especially the young ones have called for a review of the constitution and possible abolishment of the delegate system to give room for a more encompassing  general election where all financial members can vote. The call is expected to be debated in the AGM.

 

 

Tension has been high in the last few months of campaign for various posts in the association but the focus has been on the presidency. Recently, both contestants took to Facebook to sue for peace promising to abide by the rules. They all so reached out on their supporters to be peaceful and conduct themselves in a professional manner so as not to cause division in the association.

 

One thing is clear, a winner must emerge on Friday and whoever emerges is expected to be supported by all Physiotherapists if the profession must move forward.

 

By: Uduonu Ekezie

(Physiotherapy correspondent)