Cross River-based activist, social commentator and analyst, MC Okrika, has criticized elected representatives from Cross River Central Senatorial District over what he described as the poor state of logistics at the Ikom Divisional Police Headquarters, arguing that the situation has weakened efforts to tackle growing security concerns in the area.
The activist made the remarks after leading a peaceful protest over the alleged infiltration of bandits into Ikom Local Government Area. According to him, he visited the Ikom Police Division to relay information gathered during the protest and was received by the Divisional Officer, whom he commended for giving the protesters a listening ear and explaining the challenges confronting the division.
However, Okrika said his visit exposed what he described as shocking operational difficulties faced by officers in the division.
According to him, the division operates with only one patrol van, which he claimed was donated years ago during the tenure of former Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba. He alleged that the vehicle is now in a deplorable condition and barely functional.
Recalling an earlier visit to the station, he claimed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) once attempted to respond to an emergency but the patrol vehicle reportedly developed serious mechanical problems immediately it was started.
Okrika also claimed that due to the shortage of operational vehicles, police officers now rely heavily on commercial motorcycles (Okada) for patrols and emergency responses.
According to him, officers are allegedly responsible for fueling the motorcycles themselves because they receive no operational funds for such assignments.
He argued that this financial burden contributes to unethical practices, alleging that some officers resort to extorting members of the public to recover transportation costs.
"The system is failing the officers," he argued, insisting that poor welfare and inadequate logistics are major contributors to misconduct within the force.
The activist expressed disappointment that despite the prevailing security concerns in Ikom, elected representatives had allegedly failed to prioritize support for the police.
He specifically called out Senator Eteng Williams, alleging that one of his constituency projects at the Ikom Police Division was the construction of three toilets.
Okrika questioned the necessity of the project, claiming the police station already had toilet facilities and suggesting that a patrol vehicle would have been a more urgent intervention.
He also criticized the member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Abang.
According to Okrika, several projects attributed to the lawmaker cannot easily be identified within communities. He challenged the federal legislator to publicly identify visible constituency projects executed in Ikom.
The activist further accused elected representatives of failing to organize town hall meetings where constituents could hold them accountable.
He questioned how many times the senator, House of Representatives member and state assembly member had convened meetings with the people since assuming office.
According to him, the absence of regular engagement has widened the disconnect between the electorate and their representatives.
While some residents suggested that the matter should be taken directly to Governor Bassey Otu, Okrika argued that it remains the responsibility of elected lawmakers to communicate the needs of their constituencies to the state government and other relevant authorities.
He maintained that governors cannot personally identify every challenge across all communities without adequate feedback from elected representatives.
The commentator also lamented what he described as poor police welfare across the state.
He referenced a recent visit to the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), claiming he observed the spokesperson using a personal Honda vehicle for official movements.
According to him, inadequate mobility affects supervision and policing efficiency across the command.
He called on Senator Eteng Williams, Hon. Victor Abang and the Cross River State House of Assembly member representing the area to immediately assist the Ikom Police Division with a new operational patrol van.
Okrika further declared that Cross River Central deserves new political leadership, insisting that future candidates seeking elective offices must demonstrate accountability, remain accessible to constituents and provide measurable developmental projects.
He concluded that effective policing cannot be achieved when officers are expected to confront security threats, including suspected bandits, while relying on motorcycles for patrol operations.
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