—Group tells Otu
By Onwa Ekor
An umbrella body of young persons actively involved in politics under the aegis of ‘Cross River Youths in Politics for Good Governance,’ says it is impressed with the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for his youth inclusive style of leadership.
Reasoning that Otu has demonstrated the said style by appointing about 50 percent of youths into various offices in the state, the group further appealed that the development should translate into offering the youths a conducive platform for elective positions.
Led by the Chairman, Ambassador Jerry Odey, during a press briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey NUJ Press Centre, Calabar, members of the group said, “we are equally calling on the governor and other critical stakeholders to ensure that these individuals are given attention and offered flag bearers in their various political parties,” adding that, “for these youths, we can hold them accountable.”
It further endorsed some persons aspiring for various national and subnational elective positions in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
Among those the group endorsed were, Oden Ewan, Godwin Offiono, Modlin Odu, Victor Bassey andJennifer Ibiang.
Others are, Dan Obo, Ijom Ukam, Neji Abang, John Eru, Henry Bassey, Thomas Aruku, Victor Abang, Grace Unah and Victor Ekpe.
According to the group, “we have worked with these young individuals and we have seen their commitments to leadership, security, economic development and wellbeing of their constituents in their respective locations.
“Let us ensure that capable and competent young people who are energetic, committed to community development and who have the state and nation at heart are given the opportunity to fly the party ticket because any political party that fills in candidates that are unpopular or lack these criteria, will not have the support of young people,” the group advised.
Expressing displeasure on the idea of elongated tenure especially for legislators at the national and subnational, the group explained that, “though it is constitutional, we think that in the nearest future there will be need to work on the legislation because it is not in good interest that legislators spend three or four terms as some of these individuals accumulate resources to themselves and continue to take undue advantage of our electioneering period.”
Cross River Youths in Politics for Good Governance has its membership allegedly drawn from all political parties and partners with statutory and non statutory youth organisations in the state including election umpires for a peaceful and credible electoral process.
