By Abasi Ita
Stakeholders in Ikom and Boki Federal Constituency have defended the ongoing renovation of public school classrooms facilitated by the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang, dismissing criticisms against the projects as misleading, politically motivated and rooted in a poor understanding of the implementation of federal constituency projects.
The stakeholders were reacting to a publication by Boki Blog Africa which questioned the timing and scope of the classroom renovation projects, suggesting they were influenced by the approach of the 2027 general elections.
However, findings revealed that the affected school renovation projects were captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act following the intervention of Hon. Abang as part of his sustained efforts to attract federal government projects to Ikom and Boki Federal Constituency.
Commenting on the controversy, community leader Freddy Olom described the criticisms as products of misinformation and a lack of understanding of the government’s budgeting and project implementation process.
“The schools currently undergoing renovation were captured in the 2025 budget, which the Federal Government is implementing alongside aspects of the 2026 budget. Once a lawmaker succeeds in ensuring that a project is included in the national budget, implementation, funding and supervision become the responsibility of the relevant federal government agency,” Olom said.
He dismissed claims that the projects were initiated because of the forthcoming elections, insisting that such assertions were baseless.
“Those making such claims are either unaware of how government operates or are deliberately trying to mislead the people. Federal Government projects are verifiable and their implementation follows due process, not political timelines,” he added.
Also reacting, Ndoma Eta condemned what he described as attempts to discredit the federal lawmaker despite what he called his visible developmental interventions across the constituency.
“It is unfortunate that some persons have chosen to ignore the numerous projects facilitated by Hon. Victor Abang and instead focus on spreading negative narratives. The truth is that he has remained committed to attracting meaningful federal interventions that address the needs and aspirations of the people of Ikom and Boki,” Eta said.
He urged constituents to verify claims through official budget documents and project sites rather than relying on speculation.
“Our people deserve facts, not propaganda. Every project attracted through the federal budget can be verified. No amount of misinformation can erase the visible impact these interventions are making in our communities,” he said.
On her part, Kate Anoka, Ward Liaison Officer to Hon. Victor Abang, explained that the timing of the school renovation projects was consistent with established practice across the country.
According to her, school renovation projects are usually executed during the long vacation when pupils and teachers are away, allowing contractors sufficient time and space to carry out the work efficiently while ensuring the safety of learners and avoiding disruption to academic activities.
She maintained that linking the projects to election campaigns was unfair and ignored the established procedures guiding the implementation of public infrastructure projects.
“Hon. Victor Abang deserves commendation for the remarkable impact he has made across Ikom and Boki Federal Constituency despite being a first term member of the House of Representatives. Those sponsoring the recurring media attacks against him should identify any member of the House of Representatives from Cross River State who has achieved half of what Hon. Victor Abang has accomplished since assuming office,” she stated.
The stakeholders unanimously maintained that Hon. Abang’s efforts in facilitating projects through the federal budget had continued to improve educational infrastructure and other critical sectors across the constituency.
They called on residents to assess the lawmaker based on verifiable projects and his legislative performance rather than what they described as politically motivated narratives aimed at undermining his achievements.If you want it in a more neutral newspaper style with tighter attribution and less advocacy, I can also produce that version.