C’River: Group urges Citizens to participate in politics 

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

Group under the aegis of Prince Otu Community Development Initiative has called  on Cross riverians to participate actively in politics to enhance the State’s influence nationally 

The National President of the group, Mr. Kanu Uno, made the call yesterday in Calabar when he led his group on a courtesy visit to the chairman of NUJ Cross river State Council, comrade Archibong Bassey at the Ernest Etim Bassey press centre

Uno stated that it was necessary for Cross riverians to be actively involved in governance beyond just holding government accountable.

He stressed that every indigene has a role in ensuring good governance that reaches the grassroots level. 

He said the group’s formation was driven by a commitment to support Governor Bassey Edet Otu, commending him for the transformative strides made since assumption of office.

The National President highlighted the challenge of low voter turnout in Cross River, noting that in the last national election, despite having about 1.7 million registered voters, only around 440,000 voted, a turnout below 30 percent. 

This, he explained, negatively impacts the state’s political clout and representation at the national level, limiting the appointment of key ministerial positions for Cross River.

“The reason Cross River State has only held the position of minister of state for so long is because we do not matter enough in the national voting calculations. States with larger voting numbers are prioritized,” Kanu said.

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He urged Cross River indigenes, including those residing outside the state, to exercise their voting rights and transfer their voting registrations back to their native wards to increase voter numbers. 

He explained that the group has established chapters across several states within Nigeria to facilitate this effort.