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•Demands fairness, equity
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State Consultative Forum has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government not to abandon the longstanding leadership succession arrangement at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar.
The forum said merit and equity must guide the selection of the institution’s next substantive medical director.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Eyo Nsa Ekpo and the Secretary, Dr. Julius Okputu, the group said Cross River has eminent psychiatrists with the qualifications and leadership experience required to head the federal facility.
According to the forum, since Akwa Ibom State was created in 1987, the hospital has operated a succession pattern that promoted harmony and mutual respect between the two states. It warned that jettisoning the understanding would undermine institutional stability and national unity.
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The forum stressed that its appeal was not against any applicant but aimed at protecting a process that inspires public confidence.
It also called on the Federal Government to ensure the recruitment process is transparent and free from any perception of undue advantage.
The group expressed concern over the participation of the acting medical director in the race for the substantive position. It maintained that every applicant should compete on an equal footing.
The forum appealed to President Tinubu and relevant authorities to ensure the final appointment reflects fairness, competence and equity.
It said such a decision would preserve public confidence in federal institutions and strengthen one of Nigeria’s foremost mental healthcare facilities.
