Community, Grassroots Dwelers Charged To Speak Out On Choice Of Leaders

By Godwin Otang

Grassroot dwellers and communities in Cross River State have been charged to champion the course of good governance from their domains.

The charge was given at the August edition of the Cross River Movement (TCRM) stakeholder Twitter space on Sunday, with the theme “Inclusive Decision-Making: Fostering Good Governance In A Diverse Society.”

Addressing stakeholders at the engagement, the guest speaker, Mrs. Hannah Bassey, who is the founder of Nana Arts Initiative, noted that while government owes the people the constitutional obligation of good governance, the people must also play their part in ensuring that good leadership is enthroned always and that government is supported at all levels to deliver good governance.

“One of the ways to ensure good governance is to set up fair legal frameworks and policies that are enforceable to the advantage of the citizens. There should be inclusivity of women and other vulnerable groups in the governmental decision-making process.

“Communities should speak out and demand who they want to lead them, based on their track records, antecedents, and credibility. Community stakeholders dialogues should be held with citizens from various sectors, with proper awareness creation.”

In his contribution, the National Youth Council Chairman, Ikom chapter, Mr. Kenneth Kejang said “Leadership especially at local government levels should be given to proven individuals with passion for good governance.”

He advised that “Youth leaders should be allowed to express their views in contribution to good governance at the grassroots levels.”

However, stakeholders made some recommendations asking the State Governor,  Sen. Bassey Edet Otu to “dialogue with Cross Riverians through women groups,  professional bodies, youth groups and other vulnerable groups, from community to urban areas to know the way forward for the State.”