NUJ Chairman Comrade Archibong Bassey (middle) flanked by Kanu Uno (right), Prince Otu Okor (left) and others.
By Kelvin Obambon
A political pressure group, Prince Otu Community Development Initiative, has said that it is working to ensure greater political participation among Cross River indigenes to enhance the state’s influence in national affairs through voting strength.
National President of the Initiative, Kanu Uno, made the disclosure Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Center in Calabar.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Uno stressed the importance of citizens’ active involvement in governance beyond just holding government accountable. He emphasized 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.
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.
Kanu Uno was accompanied by the State Coordinator, Liyel Imoukhuede, and other members of the executive during the visit.
