Stakeholders Advised To Participate in Upcoming Cross River Council Polls

Eligible voters have been advised to actively participate in the electioneering process to elect leaders capable of transforming their communities.

Some concerned Nigerians made the call during separate interviews with Voice of Nigeria in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.

One of the respondents, the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpenyong Akiba emphasized the importance of conscious participation in the political system, asserting that many of the challenges facing the country stem from poor leadership decisions made in various sectors.

“I would say it is not without obstacles, challenges, and roadblocks, but in the midst of all these difficulties, Nigeria has been steadily progressing,” Mr. Akiba said.

He noted that despite the nation’s diversities and complex existence, Nigeria has managed to remain united and continuously weather storms along its path to progress.

Highlighting the significance of unity and resilience, Akiba urged Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s endurance and the strength that comes from its diverse population.

“It is worth celebrating our continuous existence, resilience, and unity in diversity. We must continue to work hard, be prayerful, and actively participate in selecting our leaders,” he stated.

The Special Adviser pointed out that Nigeria’s setbacks are often the result of electing the wrong leaders and advocated for participatory politics, where every stakeholder takes responsibility for ensuring that leaders at all levels—from local to national—are competent, capable, and truly representative of the people.

“Until we get it right at all levels of leadership, Nigeria will continue to face challenges,” Akiba warned.

He praised the transformational leadership being exhibited by the current administration in Cross River State, stating that similar leadership across all states would significantly accelerate Nigeria’s progress.

He further stressed the need for involvement in the upcoming local government elections, urging citizens to avoid apathy and engage in the selection process of their representatives.

“Many people withdraw and say the process has already been completed or that the choices have been selected. But the truth is, until we are involved, we will not get it right.”

Women Participation 

Also, an advocate of women’s political participation, Mrs. Archibonganwan Ekpenyong urged women especially at the grassroots to be involved not only as voters, but aspire to represent the political parties of their choice.

“Women should be active participants in the upcoming local government election. I expect to see women come out to pick forms for councillorship and chairmanship position. We are particularly grateful for the reduction in the cost of the forms. The governor, Senator Bassey Otu deserve commendation for subsidising the cost of forms.

“I expect women to take advantage of this opportunity and massively present themselves for elective offices besides voting. As a woman advocate, we are going as a team on advocacy to women in my local government area and across the state,” she hinted.

The respondents expressed the hope that with the active involvement of Nigerians in the election process, leaders would see the need for accountability, transparency and provide good leadership.

Confidence Okwuchi