Ahead of the 2023 elections and in the realization of the need for increased participation of Cross Riverians in political and governance processes in Cross River State, FadFm held its Political Summit on September 9, 2022, in Calabar as part of activities to celebrate its 5th Anniversary.

The Summit themed: “Every Vote Must Count; The Role Of The Voter And The Umpire”, held at ‘The Dome’ Hall, Calabar, Cross River State.

Notable scholars, political leaders, businessmen and women, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and social leaders from across the state who have made positive marks in various fields of human endeavor spoke at the events as panelists and keynote speakers among whom are the Former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and an ex-federal lawmaker, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Ntufam Okon Offiong, representing Muri Munene of Efik Kingdom, Commissioner for Social Housing, Rt. Hon. George O’ben-Etchi, Member representing Yakurr 1, CRSHA, Rt. Hon. Nelson Ofem, His Lordship, Founder and General Overseer of God’s Heritage Centre, Calabar, Bishop Josef Bassey, Executive Secretary, Hausa Community, Cross River State, Mr. Shaaban Abdullahi, PFN Representative, Pastor Kyrian Ojong, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics UNICAL, representing Senator Prince Bassey Otu, APC C’River Guber Candidate, Prof. Michael Okorn, Representative of CRS YPP Guber Candidate, Mr. Joseph Coco–Bassey. Country Director, Citizen Solution Network, Richard Inoyo, Chairman ACROJ, Mr. Edem Darlington, General Manager AIT CRS, Alhaji Rasheed Olanrewaju, amongst others.

In his opening remark, the Chief Executive Officer of FADFM and FAD360TV, Mr. Fidelis Duker mentioned that the Cross River State Political Summit 2022 will provide a unique forum, bringing together political, business, and social leaders from across the state to address issues that affects the 2023 general elections and other cutting-edge issues head-on.

Duker also added that the summit is designed for members of the public to provide an opportunity for reform-oriented peers to come together across cultures, beliefs, religions, and states to connect and learn more about their shared responsibilities and democratic practices ahead of the 2023 general election.

While thanking FADFM for organizing the political summit, Bishop Josef Bassey stated that there is a need to sensitize the electorates to the current realities and re-awaken their responsiveness to politics and for everyone of voting age to get their PVC and be ready to vote come 2023, adding that in 2023, every vote must count.

Bassey also mentioned that a summit like this is a milestone that will change the way politicians work together to find solutions to the country’s imminent challenges.

In his presentation, Rt Hon Nelson ofem reiterated the importance of the voters to always seek out and look for politicians with character, integrity, capacity and track record for elective office as he emphasised that the power resides in the voters.

“Around the world, citizens expect more from politicians and governments across a wide range of issues. From ethics and transparency to crisis, to the impacts of voters in the electioneering process, to combating social vices, and lots more.”

“2023 general elections aim to start a paradigm shift in the mindset of Nigeria’s political class and a convergence of credible, competent and capable alternatives to lead.” He added.

In attendance also include the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Hon. Eric Anderson, HITFM Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Duke, CRS NUJ Chairman, Mr. Nsa Gill, Representatives of CorrectFM, FADFM Analysts, FADFM Callers and well-wishers, Upper X, Casablanca, Okpo Records, and other dignitaries.

Highlights of the event also included spoken word, Efik Ballad performance, comedy by Koboko and Alvincrips, traditional dance by HP Art Productions, music by Fadakane, and others.