By Abasi Ita
The member representing Boki Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Victor Abang, has reiterated his commitment to redefining political leadership in the area through accountability driven governance and verifiable development projects.
Abang stated this during a series of town hall meetings in Boki, where he presented his midterm scorecard and assured constituents of sustained efforts to attract more intervention projects aimed at improving their welfare and addressing pressing community needs.
According to the lawmaker, the town hall engagement was organised to promote transparency and enable constituents to objectively assess his performance in office. He said the initiative was particularly important in an era of widespread misinformation, stressing that leadership should be judged by tangible outcomes rather than political rhetoric.
Abang acknowledged that the realities of governance often differ from campaign expectations, noting that while some campaign promises could not be fulfilled due to institutional and financial constraints, several impactful initiatives were executed even though they were not originally pledged.
One of such interventions, he said, was the expansion of network connectivity to rural communities across the constituency. Abang explained that although telecommunications infrastructure was not part of his campaign promises, the opportunity arose after his election and was pursued to enhance communication, security and economic activities. He disclosed that several communities are now connected, with more interventions ongoing.
Reflecting on his over two years in the National Assembly, Abang said his legislative focus has been on advocacy, constituency development and the protection of community interests. He recalled that concerns raised by residents during the campaign alerted him to threats over more than 10,000 hectares of land along the Nigeria Cameroon border.
He explained that the situation prompted him to sponsor a motion on July 5, 2023, on the boundary dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon affecting parts of Cross River State. The motion, according to him, received overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, leading to the establishment of an ad hoc committee and the suspension of plans that could have resulted in the loss of Nigerian territory, including parts of Biajua and Danare communities.
Abang further disclosed that the boundary demarcation process had ignored recognised colonial markers, including Pillar 113A, adding that the intervention of the National Assembly helped halt the exercise pending a comprehensive review.
The lawmaker also highlighted interventions in the health sector, including the facilitation of over N300 million worth of medical equipment to the Primary Health Centre in Abo Ebam and ongoing advocacy concerning the Federal Medical Centre serving the constituency.
On environmental and economic development, Abang said he sponsored the National Park Service Amendment Bill seeking to establish the Okwangwo National Park Unit as an independent entity. He explained that the proposed amendment would strengthen conservation efforts, create employment opportunities for locals and ensure that benefits from the forest resources accrue directly to host communities. He also disclosed plans to renovate and construct additional classroom blocks in selected primary schools within the constituency to improve learning conditions.
Abang added that he has engaged national and international stakeholders to secure approvals for key infrastructure projects, including road access through the national park, to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
During the town hall meeting, the lawmaker presented a compendium of his achievements titled The Banjuere, which details projects executed within two years in office, including a mini stadium project, the connection of 35 communities with telecommunication masts and other constituency interventions.
Reacting to the scorecard, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Cross River State, Attach Ochinke, commended Abang for promoting transparency and accountability in representation. He described the engagement as a clear demonstration of responsive leadership.
Also speaking, APC stalwart Doris Ogar said the lawmaker’s achievements reflected a commitment to people oriented governance, particularly in the areas of connectivity and healthcare delivery.
A traditional ruler from the constituency, speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, praised Abang for engaging the grassroots and addressing long standing concerns of the communities, especially on land protection and development.
Abang assured constituents that the midterm scorecard represents only part of his ongoing efforts, stressing that more bills, motions and constituency focused projects would be pursued before the end of his tenure. He urged residents to remain engaged and supportive, reaffirming his commitment to transparent and inclusive representation.
Highpoint of the event included interactive session and donation of N48 million naira as well as bags of rice for the yeletide celebration