A thought-provoking discussion on civic responsibility and leadership took center stage at the February session of the Uyo Book Club, as guest reader, Andy Eyo, called on Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process and resist the temptation of selling their votes.
Eyo, the Chief Executive Officer of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) and a prominent voice in Nigeria’s development sector, made the call after reviewing the book of the month: “The Crumb Eaters,” written by Dr. Martin Akpan.
Addressing members of the club, Eyo urged them to take the message of the book beyond the reading circle and into their communities.
“As you have read The Crumb Eaters today, I charge you to move to the streets and educate the public on the dangers of selling their votes during elections,” he said.
“When citizens vote for credible leaders who will tackle unemployment, inflation, and promote agriculture, education, and small and medium-scale enterprises, the masses will no longer be left to eat crumbs.”
Also speaking at the event, book reviewer, Eyo Etim, lamented the low online visibility of books authored by writers from Akwa Ibom State.
He noted that many quality works by local authors are not accessible on the internet, limiting their reach and chances of being recommended by key examination bodies such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Read also:
- Vote-buying one of the greatest dangers confronting Nigeria’s democracy -Obi
- Vote your conscience, don’t sell your vote – Group tells Nigerian voters
- Taming vote buying in Nigeria’s electoral process
Etim encouraged authors from the state to ensure their books are reviewed and made widely available to boost readership and institutional patronage.
He particularly recommended “The Crumb Eaters” to the reading public, praising its unique style and effective use of literary techniques to address socio-political realities.
Founder of the Uyo Book Club, Udeme Nana, commended the author for his creativity and the enduring relevance of the book’s themes.
He described “The Crumb Eaters”, first published in 1999, as timely, especially as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
According to Nana, if Nigerians consistently perform their civic duties without compromising their votes, the country would witness meaningful progress and stronger democratic governance.
