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Ukorebi Esien | November 27, 225
CALABAR - The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Community Relations, Hon. Chief Mrs Ada Charles, has stepped up the state's grassroots voter-mobilisation drive as Community Relations Officers (CROs) and Ward Relations Officers (WROs) from across Cross River State stormed Calabar on Wednesday for a major sensitisation briefing on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
The sensitisation meeting, held at the Calabar Municipality Local Government Secretariat, brought together royal fathers, women leaders, youth representatives, community mobilisers, and INEC officials to strengthen the state's civic engagement efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Representing the Governor Bassey Edet Otu at the event, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser on General Duties, reiterated the Governor's full support for the CVR drive. He thanked CROs and Local Government Chairmen for their efforts so far, pledged continued government backing for logistics and outreach, and urged officers to work with traditional and community leaders to ensure wide coverage. He informed that a similar event will be held in the Central and Northern Senatorial District of the state. Barr. Akiba also called for clear reporting from field teams, so the state government can quickly address gaps in registration points and transport to remote polling areas.
Hon. Ada Charles said the Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has given clear instructions for a more aggressive, community-focused mobilisation, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. She charged the CROs and ward officers to take the message beyond town halls and into streets, markets, farms, creeks and local settlements.
According to her, Cross River can no longer afford the low voter turnout that has been witnessed in previous elections.
The INEC Public Affairs Officer, Mr Godwin Oki, gave a technical briefing on the CVR process, explaining the roles of registration officers, the structure of the exercise, transfer of voter cards, and provisions for persons living with disabilities. He encouraged communities to use the window of the CVR to update their details, correct errors, and register first-time voters.
Traditional rulers who spoke at the event praised the initiative but appealed that INEC bring registration points closer to the people, especially those living in riverine and difficult terrains, particularly in areas like Calabar South, Bakassi and other remote communities. Market women and youth representatives also pledged support, noting that increased civic participation will strengthen development at the grassroots.
Several CROs commended the Local Government Chairmen for providing logistics, even as they called for more support to reach the deepest parts of their LGAs.
Hon. Ada Charles concluded by urging officers to treat the assignment as a public service duty.
CALABAR - The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Community Relations, Hon. Chief Mrs Ada Charles, has stepped up the state's grassroots voter-mobilisation drive as Community Relations Officers (CROs) and Ward Relations Officers (WROs) from across Cross River State stormed Calabar on Wednesday for a major sensitisation briefing on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
The sensitisation meeting, held at the Calabar Municipality Local Government Secretariat, brought together royal fathers, women leaders, youth representatives, community mobilisers, and INEC officials to strengthen the state's civic engagement efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Representing the Governor Bassey Edet Otu at the event, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser on General Duties, reiterated the Governor's full support for the CVR drive. He thanked CROs and Local Government Chairmen for their efforts so far, pledged continued government backing for logistics and outreach, and urged officers to work with traditional and community leaders to ensure wide coverage. He informed that a similar event will be held in the Central and Northern Senatorial District of the state. Barr. Akiba also called for clear reporting from field teams, so the state government can quickly address gaps in registration points and transport to remote polling areas.
Hon. Ada Charles said the Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has given clear instructions for a more aggressive, community-focused mobilisation, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. She charged the CROs and ward officers to take the message beyond town halls and into streets, markets, farms, creeks and local settlements.
According to her, Cross River can no longer afford the low voter turnout that has been witnessed in previous elections.
"This is not the time for half commitment. His Excellency wants every eligible voter registered. Go back and mobilize your people. Make sure no community is left out," she said.
The INEC Public Affairs Officer, Mr Godwin Oki, gave a technical briefing on the CVR process, explaining the roles of registration officers, the structure of the exercise, transfer of voter cards, and provisions for persons living with disabilities. He encouraged communities to use the window of the CVR to update their details, correct errors, and register first-time voters.
Traditional rulers who spoke at the event praised the initiative but appealed that INEC bring registration points closer to the people, especially those living in riverine and difficult terrains, particularly in areas like Calabar South, Bakassi and other remote communities. Market women and youth representatives also pledged support, noting that increased civic participation will strengthen development at the grassroots.
Several CROs commended the Local Government Chairmen for providing logistics, even as they called for more support to reach the deepest parts of their LGAs.
Hon. Ada Charles concluded by urging officers to treat the assignment as a public service duty.
The sensitisation exercise marks a renewed push by the state government to deepen voter awareness and improve Cross River's overall participation in national elections.
"Our democracy only works when our people participate. Go back home, mobilize your wards and ensure our state registers strong numbers this time," she said.
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