Victor Abang’s Quest for Purposeful Leadership in Boki/Ikom Fed. Constituency
By Simon Abang
It was a warm morning in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and hope was in the air. Citizens looked forward to a new beginning as the 10th National Assembly prepared for inauguration on June 13, 2023. Among the 360 lawmakers taking the oath in the House of Representatives was Victor Abang—a calm, results-driven legislator newly elected to represent the Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency.
Two years down the line, the role of the National Assembly as a vital arm of government continues to be viewed from different lenses. While many representatives are still grappling with the challenges of effective representation, Hon. Victor Abang has steadily gained momentum, attracting critical development opportunities to Boki/Ikom.
After emerging victorious in the highly competitive February 25, 2023 National Assembly election, Hon. Abang quickly got down to work with a clear vision: to use legislative power as a tool for community transformation.
Less than one month into office, on July 5, 2023, he sponsored a motion in the House of Representatives addressing the long-standing Nigeria-Cameroon border crisis affecting Danare and Biajua in Cross River State. His intervention drew national attention, especially in light of Nigeria’s earlier loss of the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula. The motion led to a key resolution in December 2023 mandating the Defence Headquarters to establish a Forward Operating Military Base in Danare, thereby freeing the community healthcare center for its intended use and also, halting boundary demarcation activities until adequate consultations were concluded.
But Hon. Abang’s focus has gone beyond boundary issues. He has prioritized key development initiatives. One such effort is the push for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry in Okundi, Boki. The bill, now at third reading, aims to boost agricultural innovation and provide fresh opportunities for young people in the region.
Legislative Impact
Beyond the motion on the boundary dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon, and the bill on the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture (Forestry), Okundi, there are numerous legislative actions and projects which Hon. Abang has undertaken in the past two years. These include:
(1) Other Legislative Highlights
* Elite Sheriff Corps (Establishment) Bill 2023 – Focused on forest asset protection (at the committee stage).
* Specialist Hospital Ikom Completion Motion – Advocates for improved healthcare delivery (at the committee stage).
* Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry, Okundi, Boki Bill – Passed third reading, aims to enhance research and development.
* Federal Medical Centre in Boki Bill – (At the committee stage).
* College of Education (Technical), Ikom Bill – Passed second reading.
* National Park Service (Amendment) Bill – Aims at environmental conservation. If passed, it will establish the Okwangwo National Park Unit—a self-sustaining unit that enhances the development potential of Boki’s rich forest resources (at committee stage).
Additional Motions:
* Motion on the dredging of Calabar Seaport and the Odukpani Junction–Ikot Ekene Road.
* Motion on the invasion of Okwa (Boki community) by Cameroonian nationals—led to swift House resolution defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
* Motion on elephant invasions in Bamba, Butatong, and surrounding Eastern Boki communities.
(2) Appointments: Empowering Local Content
* Appointed 11 legislative aides and 28 constituency officers to ensure effective grassroots representation.
* Developed a database of qualified constituents for job placement and federal employment linkage.
* Facilitated the appointment of Mr Victor Obi as Legislative Aide to Speaker of the House of Representatives
(3) Projects: Transforming Communities
Solar Street Light Installations (Completed):
* Okundi/Kakwagom
* Boje
* Irruan
* Bawop
* Nta/Nselle
* Ofutop
* Yala Nkum and surrounding areas
* Enyi, Ebok, Asuben, and Kache Boje
Telecommunications:
* Installed telecom equipment in 32 communities across Boki/Ikom.
(4) Education Infrastructure
* Constructed classroom blocks in Lutheran Primary School, Panya, Bawop (Completed).
* Constructed and equipped Primary School block in Ubong, Boki LGA (Completed).
* Constructed and equipped secondary school facility in Etikpe, Ikom LGA(Completed)
(5) Market and Community Projects
* Constructed the Edor Market (Completed).
* Installed transformers in Bawop.
* Constructed a mini-stadium in Ekumba, Boki (Completed).
(6) Road and Water Projects
* Graded and completed 19km Kakwagom–Njua Kaku Road.
* Repaired water facilities in Obubra-Bansan.
* Completed culvert construction and earthwork on Ntamante–Batang-Agba Road.
* Constructed a Tourist Guest House in Buanchor (Completed).
* Facilitated contract award for Ekumba Hill Road (Ongoing).
* Installed solar lights in Kakwe-Beebo (Completed ).
* Graded and completed 8km road linking Katchuan, Bitia, Kakwagom, Nkayang, and Kakaubok Irruan.
* Facilitated NDDC contract for street light installation in Beebo/Bumaji Ward (Ongoing).
* Repaired boreholes in Okundi, Mfom-Osokom, Oku, Kakwagom, Ntamante, and Obubra-Bansan.
* Graded Biajua–Danare Road (Completed).
(7) Donations: Supporting Constituents in Challenging Times
* Distributed palliatives worth millions of naira in December 2023.
* Donated critical hospital equipment to Abo Ebam Health Centre.
* Donated 22 motorbikes to Ward Chairmen and 4 SUVs to Chapter Chairmen/APC stakeholders.
* Donated ₦43 million worth of Christmas and New Year relief materials.
* Provided financial support to victims of:
* Election violence in Mgbabisu
* Fire disasters in Ikom
* Boundary demarcation disputes in Boje/Isobenghe
* Donated ₦70 million worth of food and relief materials after the April 8, 2024 fire disaster in Ikom.
* May 15, 2025 – Donated materials worth millions to victims of the Borum windstorm.
(8) Medical Outreach: Promoting Healthcare Access
* Facilitated a three-day medical mission in Nde, Ikom, offering free medical care.
* Donated medical equipment to Primary Healthcare Centre, Abo Ebam.
(9) Training and Empowerment: Building Human Capacity
* Trained and provided grants to 100 persons with disabilities in Boki/Ikom.
* Conducted sanitary hygiene education and provided hygiene kits to young girls.
* Organised agribusiness and entrepreneurial training in poultry and fish farming, with grants and tools for beneficiaries.
* Distributed agrochemicals, seedlings, and farm tools for dry-season farming.
* Provided start-up grants and working tools to ensure sustainability.
* Donated relief materials to victims of elephant attacks in Bamba, Boki LGA.
* Donated to Federal Government College Ikom’s 35th Anniversary.
* Contributed to Arongba-Osokom Farm Road bridge project.
* Contributed to Abo Emeh Road Project.
Achieving this feat was no easy task, but it reflects Hon. Abang’s unwavering resolve to bridge the development gap in Boki/Ikom. His determination has made these historic achievements possible in just two years. His actions echo the words of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “Good governance is about people-oriented policies, inclusive institutions, and leaders with vision.”
Political Concensus Building
Despite institutional hurdles, Hon. Abang has remained focused—mirroring the unwavering resolve of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. His two-year journey has proven that legislative duty, when done right, can be a lifeline to forgotten communities.
At a recent town hall meeting in Calabar (June 1, 2025), former House of Representatives member, Hon. Christopher Ette, commended Hon. Abang for staying true to his promises and urged constituents to rally behind him for the sustained progress of the constituency. This sentiment was echoed by APC Boki Chapter Chairman, Kelvin Njong, and LGA Chair, Beatrice Nyiam, who—along with 95% of stakeholders in Boje, the LGA headquarters—used the rally for President Tinubu and Governor Otu to publicly endorse Hon. Abang for a second term.
As George Bernard Shaw once said, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Hon. Abang’s leadership has changed not just minds but lives—in Boki/Ikom.
And in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” Hon. Abang has molded consensus, and more importantly, he has sparked hope.
Conclusion
In an era where many politicians promise but few deliver, Hon. Victor Abang stands tall as a symbol of what focused, grassroots-driven leadership can achieve. His story is not just one of legislative achievement, but of human connection, practical impact, and a deep resolve to serve. As Boki/Ikom prepares for another chapter in its democratic journey, the question is no longer whether Hon. Abang has done enough—but whether we’re ready to match his vision with our support.
Simon Abang is the Personal Assistant to Hon. Victor Abang (Media/Publicity and Strategic Communication).
