Prebendalism and National Poverty Eradication Programme in Rural Cross River State, Nigeria

Poverty is a socioeconomic problem with severe dehumanizing conditions which renders an individual sterile with no hope, courage or voice in the society. The Federal Government in Nigeria introduced the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) as an institution to eradicate poverty. Unfortunately, the prevalence of prebendalism in the social and economic processes served as cog in the will of NAPEP thereby rendering it ineffective in rural Cross River State. This study therefore concludes that for NAPEP to perform creditably the task of poverty eradication in rural Cross River State, there is need for integration approach to the poverty situation in the State. This involves transparency, participation, proper targeting and accountability.