By Abasi Ita
Residents of Obubra and Etung Local Government Areas of Cross River State staged a massive solidarity march in support of the lawmaker representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Hon. Mike Etaba, countering claims that he lacks grassroots backing.
The rally, branded a “One Million Man March,” drew participants from various political and community groups across the constituency. The procession commenced at Ofudua Primary School and ended at Apiapum in Obubra Local Government Area, with supporters chanting slogans and displaying placards endorsing the federal legislator.
Speaking during the event, one of the organisers, Hon. Etaba Etaba, maintained that the march was neither a political campaign nor initiated by the lawmaker. He described it as a spontaneous show of appreciation by constituents who believe the representative has performed creditably.
According to him, recent media narratives portraying the lawmaker as unpopular were misleading and did not reflect the sentiments of the people at the grassroots.
He said the turnout demonstrated strong local support, adding that the crowd exceeded expectations and reflected widespread endorsement of the lawmaker’s bid for re election.
Hon. Etaba, who is currently serving his third term in the House of Representatives, is reportedly seeking a fourth term. His ambition, however, has sparked debate within the constituency, with some political observers suggesting that the Etung axis should be given the opportunity to occupy the seat after Obubra has held it for 12 consecutive years.
Responding to the argument, some stakeholders from Etung, including Hon. Mary Eba and Mr. Ntui Esija, contended that Etung had previously occupied the seat for 16 years. They cited the tenures of Hon. Ebuta Tangban from 1999 to 2003 and Senator John Owan Enoh from 2003 to 2015 as evidence of prior representation by the area.
They further argued that Etung currently holds key positions at both the federal and state levels, noting that the area has a serving minister and the Secretary to the State Government. Allowing the federal legislative seat to shift exclusively to Etung at this time, they said, would leave Obubra politically disadvantaged.
Despite the public declaration of support for the incumbent, indications have emerged that other aspirants from both Obubra and Etung may join the race ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what could become a keenly contested contest within the constituency.