The Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Interventions, Dr Michael Abuo, has advised that
young Nigerians can pursue successful political careers without joining cult groups or engaging in occult practices,

Abuo made the call in Calabar on Saturday while accepting his appointment as Chairman of the Cross River chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Social Vices (POCACOV), a crime prevention initiative of the Nigeria Police Force.

The governor’s aide, who also serves as the Cross River State Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), urged youths to reject cultism, drug abuse and other social vices, insisting that success in politics and other fields is achievable through hard work, integrity and God’s grace.

According to him, the belief that cultism or occult practices are prerequisites for political success is misleading and should be discouraged.

“It is possible for anyone to venture into politics, make an impact and succeed without practising occultism or engaging in other social vices. It is not by my power but by the grace of God,” he said.

Abuo described his appointment as an honour and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, while commending the Inspector-General of Police for initiating a preventive approach to tackling crime.

“It is always better to prevent than to cure. I am honoured to be selected to drive this initiative in Cross River and I am ready for the responsibility,” he added.

His appointment followed the recent launch of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Social Vices by the Inspector-General of Police.

In a letter conveyed through the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the police expressed confidence in Abuo’s ability to lead the campaign in the state.

According to him, the POCACOV initiative seeks to strengthen public enlightenment, youth mentorship, advocacy and community partnerships to discourage cultism and other social vices.

He added that, It also brings together government agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to promote responsible citizenship and sustainable peace.