C’River: Abang Unveils Midterm Scorecard, Assures Constituents of More Democratic Dividends
By Ekanem Asuquo
The member representing Boki Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Victor Abang, has pledged to change the political narrative associated with the area through verifiable achievements anchored on accountability, transparency and people oriented governance.
Abang made the pledge during town hall meetings held in Boki, where he presented his midterm scorecard and assured constituents of intensified efforts to attract more intervention projects to address their needs and aspirations.
“This engagement is about accountability. It is important that the people hear directly from their representative and see evidence of what has been done, especially in this era where misinformation spreads easily on social media,” Abang said.
He stressed that governance must be measured by tangible results rather than rhetoric, adding that his stewardship has been guided by the need to deliver projects that citizens can see, assess and verify for themselves.
According to the lawmaker, the transition from campaign promises to governance often comes with practical challenges. “Some promises could not be fulfilled due to constraints we encountered in office, but we have also executed several impactful projects that were not part of our original campaign commitments,” he noted.
Abang cited the expansion of network connectivity to rural communities as a key achievement, explaining that although it was not part of his campaign agenda, the opportunity emerged after assumption of office and was pursued to improve communication and economic activities across the constituency. “Today, many communities that had no network access now enjoy connectivity, while others are already lined up for intervention,” he said.
Reflecting on his over two years in the National Assembly, Abang said his representation has focused on advocacy and the protection of community interests. He recalled how complaints from constituents during the campaign alerted him to threats involving more than 10,000 hectares of land along the Nigeria Cameroon border.
“In response to those concerns, I sponsored a motion on July 5, 2023, on the Nigeria Cameroon boundary dispute affecting our communities,” he said. “The House supported the motion overwhelmingly, and an ad hoc committee was set up. As we speak, the process that would have ceded our land has been halted pending a comprehensive review.”
He explained that the boundary demarcation exercise had ignored recognised colonial boundary features, including Pillar 113A, warning that if unchecked, parts of Biajua and Danare communities would have been lost to Cameroon.
The lawmaker also highlighted achievements in the health sector, including the facilitation of over N300 million worth of medical equipment to the Primary Health Centre in Abo Ebam and sustained advocacy concerning the Federal Medical Centre serving the constituency. “Healthcare remains a priority, and we will continue to push for better facilities and services for our people,” he said.
On environmental and economic development, Abang disclosed that he sponsored the National Park Service Amendment Bill aimed at establishing the Okwangwo National Park Unit as an independent entity. According to him, the bill will enhance conservation, boost local employment and ensure that benefits from the forest accrue directly to host communities. He also revealed plans for the renovation and construction of additional classroom blocks in selected primary schools across the constituency to improve learning conditions.
Abang further said engagements are ongoing with national and international stakeholders to secure approvals for infrastructure projects, including road access through the national park to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
During the town hall meeting, the lawmaker presented a compendium of his achievements titled The Banjuere to constituents. The document outlines projects executed within two years in the National Assembly, including a mini stadium project, the connection of 35 communities with telecommunication masts and other constituency interventions.
Reacting to the presentation, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Cross River State, Attach Ochinke, commended the lawmaker for prioritising accountability. “What we have seen today is evidence based representation. Hon Abang has demonstrated that leadership must be transparent and rooted in service to the people,” he said.
Also speaking, APC stalwart Doris Ogar described the midterm scorecard as encouraging. “These achievements show that effective representation is possible when a lawmaker is committed. The people can feel the impact, especially in connectivity and healthcare,” she stated.
A royal father from the area, Chief Bernard Olom who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers, praised Abang for engaging the grassroots. “Our communities are grateful for the projects and for the effort to protect our land and heritage. We urge him to sustain this momentum for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Abang assured constituents that his midterm scorecard reflects work in progress, adding that more bills, motions and constituency focused projects would be pursued. He urged residents to remain engaged and discerning, reaffirming his commitment to transparent and people centred representation.
