Concerned citizens of Boki Local Government Area in Cross River State have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently activate the South-South Development Commission and empower its appointed officials to begin delivering visible development across the region.
The appeal followed growing concerns that the appointment of Amb. Soni Abang into the South-South Development Commission, which initially brought widespread excitement to Boki and Cross River State, has not yet translated into practical benefits for the people.
According to the group, Amb. Abang’s appointment was celebrated across political and community lines because of his proven record of public service, especially as a former Chairman of Boki Local Government Area whose projects are still visible decades after leaving office.
They noted that the reception held in his honour attracted major political leaders, including three governors, describing the event as a symbol of hope, unity, and expectation for the people of Boki and Cross River State.
However, the group expressed disappointment that, nearly two years after the excitement generated by the appointment, the commission has not been fully opened for meaningful business, while communities continue to wait for projects, empowerment programmes, and development interventions.
“The people of Boki danced for hope, celebrated for development, and believed that the Tinubu administration had finally remembered them. But two years later, that hope is becoming painful because Amb. Soni Abang’s office has not been empowered to deliver,” the statement noted.
The group said the issue was not about Amb. Abang’s capacity, insisting that his leadership record remains one of the strongest examples of lasting development in Boki.
They recalled that during his tenure as Local Government Chairman, Amb. Abang executed projects that are still standing today, including a Primary Health Centre in one of the communities.
“Amb. Soni Abang is not a man of empty promises. He is a leader whose service left physical evidence on the ground. He showed that leadership is not noise but legacy,” the statement added.
The citizens warned that an appointment without operational funding, functional authority, and institutional activation cannot deliver the Renewed Hope agenda to the grassroots.
They therefore called on President Tinubu to urgently release funds, strengthen the commission, open its offices for full operation, and allow it to begin visible interventions in roads, youth empowerment, women support, agriculture, health, education, and community development.
The group stressed that Boki, Cross River State, and the South-South region were not asking for charity, but for fairness, inclusion, and the fulfilment of federal promises.
They warned that continued delay could weaken public confidence in the Renewed Hope agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The danger before 2027 is not opposition propaganda. The real danger is unmet expectation. Communities that once celebrated Renewed Hope are beginning to ask what Renewed Hope has done for them,” the statement said.
The group maintained that Boki people are grateful and loyal when government delivers visible development, but said political support must be built on evidence, not promises.
They appealed to the President not to allow Amb. Soni Abang’s appointment to become merely symbolic, but to make it a channel of transformation for Boki, Cross River State, and the wider South-South region.
“Do something now, Mr President. Activate the promise. Fund the commission. Empower the office. Let development begin. Boki is ready to stand with any government that stands with Boki,” the statement concluded.
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