2027: C'River Central Stakeholders Warn Content Creators Against Heating Up Polity
By Missang AKPET and Bassey BASSEY
Stakeholders in Cross River Central Senatorial District have cautioned social media activists and content creators against using their platforms to inflame political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly for pecuniary benefits.
The stakeholders spoke against the backdrop of an alleged assault involving a content creator, Assam Michael Okongor, popularly known as MC Okrika, and suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Central Senatorial District candidate, Hon. Oden Ewa, at Hotel 45 in Ikom.
Okongor had alleged that he was assaulted by political associates of Ewa during a stakeholders meeting hosted by the senatorial candidate in Ikom on Saturday, September 6.
However, associates of Ewa described the allegation as “a spurious insinuation intended to dent the image of Oden Ewa in view of his growing political profile.”
According to Agbor Eba, a close associate of the APC senatorial candidate, Okongor’s activities amounted to a campaign of calumny allegedly sponsored by political adversaries of Ewa.
Eba said the content creator had crossed the line by allegedly making disparaging comments about political leaders, particularly those from Etung, adding that he should be held accountable if found culpable.
Okongor, who describes himself as a Cross River Very Dark Man, has used his social media platforms to highlight alleged poor infrastructure and other issues in Etung and Ikom. His videos have attracted public attention, particularly those concerning the condition of some public schools.
Tension reportedly heightened following a recent video in which Okongor criticised Prince Ebuta Ayuk, a prominent Etung political leader and Director General of the Ewa campaign organisation.
According to sources, the video triggered exchanges between Okongor and supporters of Ayuk and Ewa. He was subsequently advised by some individuals to moderate his criticism of political leaders in the district.
The development reportedly culminated in a confrontation during the Ikom meeting.
In a statement signed by his counsel, T.O. Teke, Esq., Okongor alleged that the confrontation involved political associates of Ewa who slapped and beat him and poured a drink on him.
The lawyer also alleged that attempts to record the incident were restricted, resulting in limited footage from the scene. He said photographs and videos showing Okongor interacting peacefully with Ewa before the confrontation did not represent the full sequence of events.
The counsel has petitioned the Cross River State Police Command, requesting a thorough and impartial investigation, while asserting his client’s right to freedom of expression, political commentary and criticism of public officials.
However, a community leader in Etung, Samuel Agbor, who attended the meeting, confirmed that an altercation occurred but disagreed with Okongor’s approach to social media activism.
Agbor said the reaction of Ewa’s supporters was linked to their displeasure with what they considered derogatory remarks against community leaders.
He said Okongor had previously drawn attention to the poor state of some public schools in Etung, following which Ewa allegedly provided N13 million for rehabilitation work.
Agbor urged young people involved in content creation to uphold the principles of responsible journalism and advocacy, stressing that social media should not be used to attack political opponents or settle personal disputes.
Another stakeholder, Emmanuel Ogar, urged youths to respect community leaders and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of individuals or the wider community.
Ogar also cautioned against excessive zeal in the pursuit of online monetisation, saying political disagreements should not degenerate into personal attacks or confrontation.
He described Ewa as a peaceful politician committed to promoting development in Cross River Central and urged political actors and content creators to exercise restraint as the 2027 elections approach.
The stakeholders called for responsible use of social media, saying political differences should be managed through dialogue and lawful channels rather than confrontation as the state prepares for another election cycle.If you want,
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