In line with the “People First” agenda of the administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Cross River State has taken proactive steps towards increasing voter participation and strengthening democratic inclusion across Cross River State.
As part of this commitment, the Secretary to Cross River Government, Prof. A. Owan Enoh, convened a strategic engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in his office in Calabar to discuss practical ways of improving the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration exercise across the State.
The meeting, which had in attendance the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, alongside key management and technical staff of the Commission, provided an opportunity for both parties to identify the major challenges that have consistently affected voter registration exercises in the State over the years.
During the interaction, INEC officials highlighted several operational difficulties confronting the Commission, including inadequate internet connectivity in registration centres, insufficient operational vehicles for monitoring and supervision across the 18 Local Government Areas, administrative constraints, and persistent power supply challenges affecting many INEC offices within the State.
The Commission noted that these challenges have significantly contributed to the low number of registered voters in several communities and have slowed down efforts aimed at ensuring wider participation of eligible citizens in the electoral process.
Responding to the concerns raised, the Secretary to the Government, Prof. Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the commitment of the Cross River State Government in supporting initiatives that deepen democracy and promoting citizens’ participation in governance.
He stressed that the present administration understands the importance of voter registration as the foundation of democratic representation and assured INEC officials that deliberate steps would be taken to support the process and encourage increased registration across all Local Government Areas of the State.
Prof. Owan Enoh further emphasized that no meaningful development can thrive in an environment where citizens are disconnected from the democratic process, adding that every eligible Cross Riverian deserves the opportunity to be registered, represented and heard.
The collaboration between the Cross River State Government and INEC reflects a shared commitment towards building a stronger democratic culture where every vote counts and every citizen has a voice.
Citizens across the State are therefore encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration exercise to secure their voter’s cards and actively participate in shaping the future of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
“Democracy works best when the people are fully involved.” Prof. Owan Enoh stressed.
The SGS also called for collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission to boost NIN rgistration across the State. He addressed a section of NIMC Staff led by their State Coordinator Mrs Nwoye Bridget.
Prof Owan Enoh advised that since the problems of NIMC are similar with those of INEC, government will find lasting solutions jointly.
Both INEC and NIMC management thanked the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency , Senator ( Prince ) Bassey Edet Otu for the opportunity provided by this meeting and promised that if given the necessary support the State will tremendously exceed all previous excercises.
By: Chief Ifere Paul
