Chi Ibe

Today Cross River will have the opportunity to vote for its next Executive Governor. However, opposition candidates complained that the state-owned Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) restricted access to its channels for radio jingles and TV adverts.

The PA to the ANPP Candidate, Mr Roy Francis had claimed they paid CRBC for adverts on radio and TV they were never aired. Candidates at the live Nigeria’s First Youth-Focused Gubernatorial Debate repeated this claim.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that a deposit was made to cover the debate live, no preparations were made. The station claimed they needed to see an MOU between the hosts and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and also confirmation that Senator Liyel Imoke would be attending before they could come. Subsequent plans to have the broadcast as a recorded programme were also rebuffed by the management.

Nonetheless, the debate was streamed online and it was attended by Imah Nsa Adegoke (LP), Usani Usani (ACN) and Theo Onyuku (HDP).

Enough is Enough Nigeria maintains a positive relationship with INEC and has established a non-partisan reputation. Therefore, EiE were disturbed at what appeared to be state-sponsored attempts to impede democratic platforms for opposing views and rigorous debate that ensures accountability and good governance.

The group plans to host gubernatorial debates in Edo and Ondo States and are prepared to use every channel available to ensure that the debates are shown live on state-run stations as allowed by law.

EnoughisEnough Nigeria (www.eienigeria.org) is a coalition of individuals and youth-led organizations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through advocacy, activism and the mobilization of the youth population as responsible citizens.  The coalition includes The Future Project; Paradigm Initiative Nigeria; Education as a Vaccine (EVA); Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND); RISE Networks; Chocolate City Group and EME.

EiE Nigeria created the RSVP (Register|Select|Vote|Protect) Campaign to leverage technology, especially social media to mobilize significant participation from citizens in the 18-35 age bloc in the 2011 elections and beyond.

Afterschool Peer Mentoring Project seeks to inspire and engage intending graduates and out- of -school youths on pre/post-graduation goal setting, career guidance and opportunity facilitation. We assist young people prepare to graduate and walk them through the achievements of their life goals.