A socio-cultural and Economic Group, Prince Otu Community Development Initiative, led by its National President Kanu Uno, has advocated for increased voter Education in the ongoing voter Registration exercise.
Uno also called for greater political participation among Cross River indigenes to enhance the state’s influence in national affairs.
The National President made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Uno stressed the importance of citizens’ active involvement in governance beyond just holding government accountable.
He emphasised 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 his assumption
The National President highlighted the challenge of low voter turnout in Cross River, noting that in the last presidential election, despite having about 1.7 million registered voters, only around 440,000 voted, a turnout below 30 percent.
This, according to him, 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 that we do not matter enough in the national voting calculations. States with larger voting numbers are prioritised,” 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 Courtesy visit to the Earnest Etim Basssey Press Centre.
