2027: Odukpani Communities Endorse Rep Akiba for Second Term, Hail Grassroots Impact
By Bassey BASSEY
Stakeholders from the four blocs in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State have endorsed Rep. Bassey Akiba for a second term for the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
The endorsement came from the Eburutu, Iboku, Okoyong and Omo blocs during separate meetings and rallies held across the local government area.
The stakeholders commemded Akiba’s performance as a first term lawmaker, particularly in the areas of agriculture, education, health,livelihood support and legislative representation.
According to them, the lawmaker has demonstrated commitment to grassroots development and effective representation since assuming office in 2023.
They maintained that it is the turn of Odukpani to retain the House of Representatives seat, noting that Calabar Municipality previously held the position for twelve years before Akiba took over.
The community leaders argued that denying Odukpani the opportunity to complete a second term would amount to injustice, especially as the federal constituency seat is rotational between Calabar Municipality and Odukpani local government area.
The stakeholders also appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to disregard calls for the seat to return to Calabar Municipality ahead of the next election cycle, maintaining that political equity and fairness demand that Odukpani be allowed to complete its turn.
At the endorsement rally held in the Okoyong bloc, stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, as well as councillors from the bloc, Hon. Effiong Ekene Effiom (Ekori Anaku Ward), Hon. Bassey Effiong Bassey (Oniman Kiong Ward), and Hon. Okon Edem Okon (Akamkpa Ward) stressed the need to retain the seat in Odukpani.
They unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the lawmaker and endorsed him for a second term, citing his developmental strides and accessibility to constituents.
Speakers at the Omo bloc also commended Akiba’s livelihood support initiatives, describing them as impactful and beneficial to youths and women in the area.
The motion endorsing his second term bid at Omo bloc was moved by Hon. Effiong Adiam, councillor, Mbiabo Obom itiat, and seconded by Hon. Emmanuel Effiong Nsa, councillor, Odot ward, and presided over by Hon. E.N Ewa Snr, councillor, Odukpani Central ward.
Similarly, at the Eburutu bloc, Councillor Godwin Ndem from Eniong Ward presided over the proceedings. Councillor Aruk Emmanuel from Eki Ward moved the motion for Akiba’s endorsement, which was duly seconded by Okokon Ekpenyong, councillor Ito/Idere/Ukwa ward.
Stakeholders in the Iboku bloc also unanimously backed the lawmaker for another term in office. Among those present at the endorsement were Hon. Ene Itam Eyo of Greek Town I Ward councillor, Hon. Emmanuel Otu Edet, councillor Adiabo Efot ward and Hon. Asuquo Eniang Okon, councillor, Ikoneto ward.
Responding to the endorsements, Akiba expressed appreciation to the people for their support and confidence in his leadership, saying that electoral victory can only be achieved through unity and collective effort, regardless of financial strength.
“No matter how much money you have, you cannot win without the support of the people,” he said.
“It is only when we work together that we will be able to move the federal constituency forward. I assure you that if given the mandate for a second term, the difference will be clear, and we shall continue to work together as a team.”
