INTERVIEW: "We Must Not Reinforce Failure in Boki 1" — Dr. Njama Paul Asu Opens Up on His Plans if Elected.

As political activities continue ahead of the 2027 general elections, Boki Blog Africa is engaging aspirants and political leaders to help the people understand who they are, what they stand for, and what they plan to do if elected.

In this interview, Dr. Njama Paul Asu, a candidate for the Boki 1 State Constituency seat in the Cross River State House of Assembly under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), speaks about his background, his plans for Boki 1, his assessment of the current representation, entrepreneurship, youth development, and his message to the people.

Q: Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Dr. Njama Paul Asu, a native of Wula in Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State, the son of Engr. Paul Asu Njama and Mrs. Rosemary Njama. I am a dedicated academic, published author, and researcher with publications in both local and international journals. I have also authored two books addressing contemporary societal issues.

As an entrepreneur, I have successfully overseen several building projects over the years. I am also a committed farmer with a special interest in palm farming, contributing to agriculture and job creation.

I am a devout Christian, a fitness enthusiast, and a family man. I am happily married to Mrs. Angela Njama, and we are blessed with three wonderful children.

Driven by a passion for service, I have put myself forward to represent the good people of Boki 1 in the Cross River State House of Assembly under the platform of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Q. Have you held any public office within Boki Local Government and Cross River State before? If yes, let's know about it.

I haven't held any public office before. I have been in private practice for a long time.

Q. What can you say about the current representation of Boki Constituency 1? Is the current member living up to expectations?

It is evident, even to the blind, that there is a glaring gap in effective representation in Boki 1 State Constituency. For over three years, the only voice we have heard in terms of representation has come from our sister constituency (Boki 2).

The current representation has fallen short of our expectations, and Boki 1 cannot afford to reinforce failure. Boki 1 deserves more. We deserve a representative who will go beyond what government alone can offer. A representative who will liaise with development partners, NGOs, and the private sector to attract both human capital development and infrastructural development to our communities.

That is why I, Dr. Njama Paul Asu, have answered the call to serve. I am offering myself to fill this gap and give Boki 1 the purposeful, visible, and result-driven representation we truly deserve.

Q. What would you do differently if given the opportunity to serve the people?

I will go beyond the generic political promises made during campaigns.

First, I will set up a system to know the real needs of every village in Boki 1. A proper Constituency Needs Assessment will be carried out within my first 100 days in office. This will guide all my operations and projects.

Second, I will go beyond government allocation. I will partner with development agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to provide grants, low-interest loans, and scholarships to students, farmers, and indigent youths who have shown strength and potential.

Third, we will equip our youths with modern, globally competitive skills through skill acquisition and ICT training.

Fourth, we will support our local farmers by linking them to inputs and agencies that promote mechanized farming.

Finally, from the data gathered through our needs assessment, I will sponsor and push for bills and policies in the State House that are directly beneficial to the people of Boki 1.

My representation will be data-driven, people-centered, and results-focused. The job before me is enormous, far more than the resources available, but when there is a will, there is always a way, and that is where I come in competently.

Q. About the alleged ₦100,000 constituency projects funding to House of Assembly members. Are you aware of it, and do you think it has been accounted for in Boki 1 Constituency?

I heard about it just like every other person did. To the best of my knowledge, that money has not been utilized judiciously.

Q. With your party alignment, the NDC, do you think your chances are still high?

Even without considering my political platform (NDC), which is a strength, our people are yearning for a trustworthy, competent, and credible alternative, and that is what I represent.

Ordinarily, if we had a performing incumbent, the chances of change would have been slim. But that is not the case.

This is even more critical when we consider that we are in a contest against a party that has supervised the untold hardships visited upon Nigerians in the last three years, and upon Boki 1 by extension.

The people of Boki 1 are now politically conscious. We have collectively agreed: we will not reinforce failure.

Q. As an entrepreneur, what major plans do you have for the constituency with regards to start-ups, entrepreneurship conferences, and skills acquisition?

I will work with a dedicated team to build a system that will Teach, Fund, and Connect our people.

Skill acquisition will be a top priority for human capital development. We will not only train our constituents, we will equip them.

We will provide access to low-interest loans and grants for start-ups and existing businesses to expand.

To encourage businesses, we will offer free CAC registration, create a Mentorship Hub linking young entrepreneurs with successful Boki business owners, and run periodic Business Clinics to give them the tools they need to succeed.

Our goal: Move Boki 1 from unemployment to self-employment.

Q. I'm sorry to take it this direction, but how do you rate the current member representing Boki 1 Constituency, Hon. Bette Obi?

I have the greatest respect for Hon. Bette Obi. He is a big brother and friend, but leadership is much more than friendship. It's about results. And sadly, on performance for Boki 1, we cannot score above 2 out of 10.

Boki 1 deserves more, and that is why I am stepping up.

Q. What do you think about the performance of the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu?

Let me be fair. Compared to his predecessor, there is a bit of positive difference. We must give credit where it is due. But if we critically look at the last three years, the truth is that not much has changed for the average Cross Riverian.

Q. What advice do you have for the electorate in Cross River State, and more importantly, the good people of Boki 1 Constituency?

My response today is not only to Cross Riverians or my Boki 1 brothers and sisters. It is to all Nigerians.

A straight line can be drawn between who we vote for and our well-being afterwards. Elections have consequences.

We have before us Mr. Peter Obi and other candidates. We know his antecedents. We know his values. Let us get him to power and watch Nigeria take a positive turn.

And to my Boki 1 people: You cannot afford to take your car to a mechanic you know is not competent twice. Let us apply the same wisdom to our beloved constituency.

We cannot afford to reinforce failure. I, Dr. Njama Paul Asu, am better.

And together, we will build a Boki 1 that works.

Q. Thanks for your time.

Thanks for the engagement.