The Director General of the New Agenda Group,” a non-partisan organisation in Cross River, Maj. Gen. Moses Bisong Obi (rtd) has said that the state deserves to sustain and improve on good governance as well as consolidate on the present democratic gains.
Speaking at the unveiling of the group’s signage in Calabar, the DG said the state is blessed with a vibrant and visionary leadership that has increased steady performance of a peasant agrarian economy driven by a predominantly civil service workforce to a leading destination for tourism in Nigeria and the world, with the expansion of the private sector. “Cross River state, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, has produced great minds, as well as responsive and responsible leaders in the state and nation at large”…. The Director General stated. He noted that the vision of the group is to consolidate on the gains of today for a better future as well as ensure unity through the creation of a conducive peaceful and unified atmosphere in the state.
This will be achieved, he continued, through sensitisation towards a peaceful democratic process as we approach a new political dispensation the DG reiterated. He said it is also the belief of the group that as the nation’s democracy continues to grow, Cross Riverians must continue to build democratic structures by ensuring that those with a clear vision for the state continue to serve at all levels. “We believe strongly that more jobs should be created, health facilities improved, education made more accessible for our children and enhancement of Public Private Partnership to boost infrastructural development, donor partner participation” the Director General stressed. “The issue of contesting elections only to have a bite of the national cake should no longer be our motivation for seeking political office. He called on the people of Cross River State to join the New Agenda group irrespective of their political leanings to build a better tomorrow in Cross River State.
Director of Information of the group, Maurice Ekeng said the Organisation intends to embark on a stakeholder wide consultation and sensitisation to educate the people on their civil rights as well as mobilise them to participate in the democratic process. “As political activities hot up, we will sensitise the people to stimulate their thinking and consciousness so that they will know the questions to ask and this is the right time”
