Ikom/Boki Stakeholders Blast Critics, Hail Abang Over School Renovation Projects
By Ekanem Asuquo
Stakeholders in Ikom and Boki Federal Constituency have rallied behind the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang, dismissing criticisms surrounding the ongoing renovation of public school classrooms as misleading, politically motivated and rooted in ignorance of how federal constituency projects are executed.
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.
Findings, however, 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.
Speaking on the controversy, community leader Freddy Olom said the criticisms were founded on misinformation and a poor understanding of government budget implementation.
"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 suggestions that the projects were initiated because of the forthcoming elections, describing such claims as 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 deliberate attempts to discredit the federal lawmaker despite the visible interventions he has facilitated 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 instead of 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 added.
On her part, Kate Anoka, Ward Liaison Officer to Hon. Victor Abang, explained that the timing of the school renovation projects was consistent with standard practice across the country.
According to her, school renovation projects are usually executed during the long vacation when pupils and teachers are away, giving contractors sufficient time and space to work efficiently while ensuring the safety of learners and preventing unnecessary disruption of academic activities.
She maintained that linking the projects to election campaigns was unfair and ignored established procedures for implementing public infrastructure projects.
"Hon. Victor Abang deserves commendation for the huge 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 done half of what Hon. Victor Abang has achieved since he assumed office," she said.
The stakeholders unanimously maintained that Hon. Abang's efforts in facilitating projects through the federal budget had continued to improve educational infrastructure and other sectors within 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 intended to undermine his achievements.
