Ikang Joint Assembly Marks New Year Gathering, Calls for Unity, Voter Registration, and Political Mobilization in Bakassi

Ikang Joint Assembly Marks New Year Gathering, Calls for Unity, Voter Registration, and Political Mobilization in Bakassi

The Ikang Joint Assembly , a longstanding socio-cultural organization that has served as a unifying platform for the Ikang Ita communities of Bakassi Local Government Area for over 18 years, on Wednesday held a New Year get-together hosted by selected members who are political office holders at the state and local government levels.

The gathering brought together community leaders, political stakeholders, elders, and members of the Assembly to reflect on past achievements and chart a strategic course for the future of Ikang Ita and Bakassi LGA at large.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Ikang Joint Assembly, *Chief Engr. Eyo-Ita Ndem* , commended members for their consistency, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of unity and collective progress that have sustained the organization over the years. He described the Assembly as a critical instrument for cohesion among Ikang Ita communities and emphasized the need to strengthen its role in the political and socio-economic development of Bakassi.

*Chief Engr. Eyo Ndem* used the occasion to issue a strong call to action on political participation, particularly in the ongoing *Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise* . He expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded during the last general elections, noting that only 1,632 votes were cast, with the majority coming from Ikang Ita communities. Describing the figure as unacceptable, he urged members to mobilize at the grassroots to ensure massive voter registration and participation ahead of future elections. According to him, Bakassi Local Government Area must aim to record the highest number of votes in Cross River State going forward.

Also addressing the gathering was *AIG Chief Enene Okon (Rtd.),* a revered leader of the Mainland people of Bakassi, who emphasized the importance of unity in protecting the ancestral lands of Ikang Ita. He highlighted several strategic steps already taken to safeguard these lands and warned against complacency, stressing that sustained vigilance and collective action remain essential.

*Chief Enene Okon* further called on members of the Assembly to fully support the re-election of *His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu* , in the 2027 general elections. He reiterated that active participation in the Continuous Voters Registration exercise is fundamental to achieving meaningful political representation and ensuring that the interests of Bakassi and Ikang Ita are adequately protected.

The event also featured goodwill messages from the Vice President of the Assembly, *Hon. Chief (Barr.) Ene Cobham* , and *Dr. Bassey* , both of whom commended the leadership of the Ikang Joint Assembly and urged members to remain united, politically conscious, and committed to the collective advancement of the Ikang Ita communities.

The event was attended by several prominent leaders and stakeholders from the Ikang Ita communities, including *Rt. Hon. Barr. Dominic Aqua Edem; Hon. Eti-Eka Lady (Mrs.) Lawrencia Ita, KSJI, JP; Hon. (Princess) Christiana Eso; Eti-Eka Elder Mrs. Ikana Eyo; Dr. Bassey; Comrade Peter Okon; Chief Maurice Eyo; Elder Anthony Ewa, Engr Archibong Ene Ita, Dr Asuquo Effiong, Barr Ene Peter, Comr. Sandra Effefiong, Hon. Felix Eyo, Mr. Victor Effiong Eyo,* among others.

Beyond deliberations, the gathering also featured a show of solidarity and goodwill, as participants were treated to an abundance of food and drinks. Cash gifts were distributed to all attendees, while welfare packages were donated to some members in support of their well-being.

The New Year gathering underscored the enduring relevance of the Ikang Joint Assembly as a rallying point for unity, political consciousness, and community development. It also reaffirmed the collective resolve of the Ikang Ita people to deepen political engagement, protect their ancestral heritage, and work together toward a stronger and more prosperous Bakassi Local Government Area.