“No road, no election”: Over 700 Ukelle youths protest neglect in Cross River, demand infrastructure

More than 700 youths from Ukelle in the Yala II State Constituency of Cross River State have launched a protest demanding improved infrastructure, effective representation and better governance in their communities.

The group, operating under the banner of the United Ukelle Youths for Ukelle Development, said the constituency has faced decades of neglect despite being part of one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states.

In a press statement signed by the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, Obok Joseph Igbang, the youths accused political leaders of abandoning the area, citing poor roads, lack of electricity and inadequate healthcare facilities.

The protest movement has adopted the slogan “No Road, No Election,” a campaign that threatens to boycott future elections unless basic social amenities are provided.

Youths accuse leaders of long-term neglect

According to the statement, residents of Ukelle believe their communities have been sidelined in terms of development and political representation.

The youths claim the constituency has little to no visible government presence, noting that several villages lack motorable roads, electricity supply and functional healthcare services.

They also alleged that most of the available health centres are in poor condition, leaving residents with limited access to modern medical care.

The group further lamented what it described as decades of marginalisation, insisting that their agitation is driven by the need for better living conditions.

“No Road, No Election” campaign sparks political tension

The protest campaign has reportedly intensified political tension within the constituency, as youths insist they will not participate in elections until their demands are addressed.

Under the “No Road, No Election” movement, the protesters say they will refuse to vote for any political candidate if key infrastructure such as roads, electricity and other public services are not provided.

The campaign has already gained attention locally after youths erected a banner in Wanokom Ward bearing the inscription “No Road, No Election.”

According to the statement, the protest banner was intended to highlight the frustration of residents who have long demanded development in the area.

Youths accuse community leaders of intimidation

The group also alleged that some members of the political class have responded to the agitation by collaborating with certain community leaders to penalise the protesters.

They claimed that youths responsible for putting up the protest banner were fined N100,000, along with other items including three cartons of beer and a pig.

According to the youths, the sanctions were imposed as punishment for publicly criticising the condition of the road project currently underway in the area.

The protesters say such actions are attempts to silence them and discourage their advocacy for development.

Controversy over video showing road project

The press release also addressed a viral video that showed the alleged poor quality of work on an ongoing 5-kilometre road project in Ukelle.

Some critics reportedly claimed the video was produced for online attention or “content creation.”

However, the youth group denied the allegation, insisting that the video was recorded to document the true condition of the road construction.

According to them, the individual who initially recorded the footage was later pressured to release another video contradicting the first one, which they claim was intended to mislead the public.

The group said attempts to label the protesters as “thugs” or “content creators” were aimed at undermining their campaign.

Youths insist protest is constitutional

Despite the controversy, the youths said they remain committed to their demand for improved infrastructure in Ukelle.

They stressed that their protest is a peaceful and lawful exercise of their rights as citizens.

“We are citizens of Cross River State. It is our constitutional right to protest and demand our rights,” the group said in the statement.

They added that their agitation would continue until the Ukelle road project is fully completed and other social amenities are provided.

Call for completion of Ukelle road project

While expressing dissatisfaction with the current situation, the youths acknowledged the ongoing road project initiated by the state government.

They thanked the administration of Bassey Edet Otu, the governor of Cross River State, for initiating the 5km Ukelle road project.

However, they urged the government to extend the construction to cover the entire 47-kilometre stretch connecting the area to the Benue border.

According to the group, completing the road would significantly improve economic activities, transportation and access to essential services for communities in the constituency.

They concluded by reiterating that Ukelle residents deserve improved living standards and equal development opportunities like other parts of the state.