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Cross River Business Forum Faults House Resolution on UCTH CMD Suspension

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
UCTHResolution2026 as Cross River Business Forum chairman Henry Onwe criticizes the House of Representatives’ call to suspend UCTH CMD Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, describing it as hasty and unjust, and urges a proper investigation.

The Chairman of the Cross River State Businessmen’s ForumChief Henry Onwe, has faulted the House of Representatives’ resolution calling for the suspension of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH)Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, describing the move as hasty, harsh, and unrealistic.

In a statement issued in Calabar, Onwe urged lawmakers to launch a thorough investigation into the allegations against the CMD before considering any motion seeking his suspension.

He argued that the motion was adopted without due investigation into claims that Prof. Ikpeme acted on ethnic considerations in the posting of medical graduates for housemanship.

House Accused of Acting on Media Reports

Onwe criticized the House for allegedly relying on media reports rather than conducting a comprehensive probe before adopting the motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Iduma Igariwey, who represents Afikpo North/Afikpo South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.

He maintained that available information does not indicate that the affected house officers had direct interaction with Prof. Ikpeme regarding their placement, adding that claims of a meeting with the CMD are contested and unsupported by evidence.

Questions Raised on Posting Process

The business leader questioned why the House failed to interrogate the posting process, including who authorized the placementsthe criteria used, and why a disproportionate number of doctors were reportedly posted to one federal institution from a single section of the country, contrary to the federal character principle under Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

He also dismissed claims that the CMD’s alleged actions contributed to brain drain, arguing that many doctors migrate abroad after completing housemanship, making it unfair to single out Prof. Ikpeme for shortages in the health sector.

Call for Due Process and Fair Hearing

Onwe noted that the House reportedly failed to consult relevant professional bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Calabar, before adopting the resolution.

He revealed that the doctors in question had already resumed training at UCTH before the call for suspension was made.

Describing allegations of ethnic discrimination as unfounded, Onwe cited UCTH’s record of inclusive appointments, including the appointment of an Igbo woman as Head of Nursing Services in November 2025 under Prof. Ikpeme’s leadership.

Appeal for Intervention and Investigation

Onwe called on lawmakers from Cross River State to intervene and prevent what he described as an injustice, urging the House of Representatives to revisit the motionconduct a comprehensive investigation, and allow due process to prevail.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to suspend any action against the CMD pending the outcome of a proper inquiry.

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Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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