As conversations about the future of Ikom continue to echo in markets, motor parks, villages, and across social media ahead of the 2027 elections, another voice has stepped into the race with a promise to challenge the politics many residents say has left the constituency behind.
One of those seeking to represent Ikom I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly is Ambassador Kennedy Njar-Nsan, a university lecturer, researcher, and candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In this exclusive interview with Boki Blog Africa, Njar-Nsan speaks on why he is seeking public office, his assessment of governance in Ikom and Cross River State, the challenges facing young politicians, his views on the current administration, and why he believes development should be driven by the people rather than imposed from above.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
1. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: My name is Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan. I am from Akparabong in Ikom Local Government Area. I am a university lecturer by training and have taught, trained, and developed people at two universities—Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the University of Calabar. I am an academic with a strong background in History, International Relations, and Political Science. I hold degrees in these three areas and I am widely read.
2. Why did you decide to contest for the Cross River State House of Assembly seat to represent Ikom I Constituency?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: I want to represent the interests of the good people of Ikom, not the interests of those in power. I want to make a difference in the lives of our people.
Ikom is the commercial nerve centre of Cross River State, yet it remains backward and is not taken seriously by the state government because those representing us have failed to defend the interests of our people. Instead, they pursue their personal interests.
I want to reverse that, change the narrative of hardship, and help restore infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and pipe-borne water through effective, proactive leadership and quality representation that puts the people first.
3. To you, what are the major challenges facing Ikom I State Constituency?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: The major challenges include poor road networks, lack of electricity, inadequate funding for public primary and secondary schools, unemployment among young people, and other basic infrastructure deficits.
Although many of these are executive responsibilities, an effective legislator who understands the job can use legislative advocacy and oversight to attract development and good governance to the constituency. I understand how the system works and intend to use it for the benefit of our people.
4. Have you held public office before?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: Yes. I have always served in leadership positions at different levels, from my undergraduate days to my professional career. Although I have not held elective political office before, I have consistently led teams and organizations.
5. How do you rank the current representation of your constituency?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: The people of Ikom know that nothing significant has changed since the current administration came on board. It is unfortunate that a border town and the commercial nerve centre of Cross River State has been relegated to the background.
If elected, we will change that narrative. We know what needs to be done to ensure Ikom receives the attention and development it deserves.
6. If elected, what would you do differently?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: A representative must always put the people first. We will engage directly with our constituents through town hall meetings to identify their real needs before approaching government.
Development should not be imposed from above. It should originate from the people. That is why I believe in a bottom-up approach to governance rather than a top-down system.
Many legislators fail because they do not understand the theory and practice of development. They simply accept whatever is presented to them by the executive instead of defending the priorities of their constituents. I will be different.
7. Do you think your party will be a limitation?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: No. The NDC has the best programmes for the country. We are interested in solving collective problems by fixing hospitals, improving public education, supporting small businesses, and rehabilitating existing infrastructure rather than embarking on unnecessary projects.
We are not interested in sharing rice and Maggi. We want to tackle poverty directly. My party is an asset to me, not a limitation. It is not the failed PDAPC.
8. As a young person, what challenges have you faced in politics?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: The biggest challenge is finance. Politics is expensive, and mobilising resources is difficult for young people.
Another challenge is convincing people to reject the politics of rice, Maggi, and vote buying. Politics should focus on solving collective problems through quality schools, hospitals, housing, and infrastructure rather than exchanging money and gifts for votes.
9. What do you think about the representation of Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: He was elected to serve the people of Ikom/Boki, not me personally. It is left for the people to assess his performance and decide whether to renew or reject his mandate in 2027.
The real question is whether he has delivered the dividends of democracy compared to previous representatives and his colleagues across the country. That decision belongs to the people.
10. Can you rate the performance of Governor Bassey Otu?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: The people of Cross River State will decide his fate. He has performed well in areas such as security but has also fallen short in other areas.
Generally, the quality of political leadership in Cross River has continued to decline since the era of Donald Duke, and I feel sorry for the people of the state.
11. What message do you have for young Nigerians who want to participate in politics?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: Politics determines everything in your life—the schools your children attend, the hospitals you use, the roads you drive on, and the quality of leadership you have.
Young Nigerians should participate actively in politics and stop selling their votes. If politicians offer money stolen from public resources to buy your conscience, collect it as your own share, but vote according to your conscience.
12. What are your chances of winning the election?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: My chances are very high. The APC has failed many Nigerians, and people are looking for alternatives.
If elected, I will defend the interests of Ikom people inside and outside the House of Assembly. I will not become a puppet of the ruling class or defend government against the people who elected me.
I am not in politics to make money. I am in politics to empower people, strengthen communities, and build a greater Ikom. Those who know me can attest to my character and convictions. That is why I left PDAPC and chose the NDC.
13. What advice do you have for the people of Ikom I ahead of 2027?
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan: Choose a strong voice—someone who will defend your interests, fight corruption, and advocate for good governance.
Stop rewarding politicians who have failed you. Compare what leaders elsewhere are doing for their people with what your own representatives have delivered. If they have not improved your lives, vote them out.
Politicians are your employees. If they fail to serve you after four years, you have every right to replace them with more competent leaders. Do not reward failure. Vote for leaders who will genuinely work for the people.
Post A Comment: