As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the Uyo Book Club in Akwa Ibom State has charged citizens to take responsibility for the nation’s future by electing credible leaders who will prioritise the welfare of the people.
This call was made during the Club’s February reading session, where a special guest reader, Dr. Andy Eyo, examined The Crumb Eaters, a thought-provoking book authored by Dr Martin Akpan.
Dr. Eyo, Chief Executive Officer of ECEWS and a prominent voice in Nigeria’s development sector, urged Nigerians to resist the culture of “eating crumbs in the midst of plenty” by actively participating in the electoral process and rejecting inducements from politicians.
“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 cast their votes for the right candidates—those who will tackle unemployment, inflation, and promote agriculture, education, and small and medium-scale enterprises—the masses will no longer survive on crumbs.”
He stressed that sustainable development and economic prosperity can only be achieved when leaders are elected based on competence and integrity rather than financial inducement.
In his review of the book, Dr. Eyo Etim lamented the low visibility of literary works by authors from Akwa Ibom State, noting that many are not available online to attract wider readership or consideration by key examination bodies such as the West African Examinations Council and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
“There are many books written by Akwa Ibom authors, but they are not accessible on the internet,” he observed. “Authors should ensure their works are reviewed and made visible for broader readership and possible adoption by schools and institutions.”
Etim, an award-winning academic, recommended ‘The Crumb Eaters’ to the reading public, describing it as a compelling literary piece that deploys diverse stylistic techniques to convey its message on governance and civic responsibility.
In his remarks, the Founder of the Uyo Book Club, Dr. Udeme Nana, commended the author for his creativity and the enduring relevance of the book’s themes. He described The Crumb Eaters as “a book in season,” particularly as the country prepares for another election cycle.
“Even though the book was written in 1999, it remains relevant as it mirrors democratic politics, especially in developing countries,” Nana said.
“If voters consistently exercise their civic duties without selling their votes, Nigeria will certainly become a better place.”
The February session ended with renewed calls for civic education and grassroots sensitisation, as members resolved to use literature as a tool for social reorientation ahead of the 2027 polls.
