The people of Ofutop in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State have renewed calls for accountability from Hon. Victor Abang, the member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, over commitments they say have yet to translate into visible projects in the community.
The concerns were raised by Comrade Adams Peter, Director General of the Cross River State Youth Ambassadors, who said the community had previously expressed disappointment over what it described as inadequate attention from its federal representative.
According to Adams, the people of Ofutop formally raised their concerns on March 16, 2026, citing the need for opportunities for qualified youths, empowerment programmes, federal government job recommendations, community development projects and other constituency interventions.
He said following the publication of the concerns, Hon. Victor Abang personally contacted him and they held a telephone conversation lasting about 20 minutes.
Adams said the lawmaker explained that he was a first-time member of the House of Representatives and assured him that he would make efforts to address some of the concerns raised by the people.
Among the interventions allegedly discussed during the conversation were the installation of solar street lights in Ekpokpa and Okangha, grading of the road in Okosora, and renovation of primary schools in Alesi, Ekukunela and Agbaragba.
However, Adams said the people of Ofutop are yet to see the implementation of the commitments.
He alleged that the proposed solar street lights had not been delivered, the road grading in Okosora had not materialised, while the mentioned school renovation projects had also not been carried out.
The development, he said, had left constituents asking questions about the status of the interventions.
“Were they submitted for consideration? Were they captured in any constituency intervention plan? Were there budgetary or administrative challenges?” Adams asked.
He said the questions were not intended as a personal attack on the federal lawmaker but as legitimate concerns from constituents who supported his election in 2023 and expected tangible representation.
“As a DG and voice of the people, my responsibility is not to attack Hon. Victor Abang personally. My responsibility is to ask questions on behalf of the people and demand answers where legitimate concerns remain unresolved,” he said.
Adams acknowledged that Abang had personally reached out to him and had explained that he was a first-timer in the National Assembly, but argued that the explanation should be accompanied by an update on the commitments discussed.
He said the issue had become more significant as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to intensify, arguing that constituents would increasingly assess politicians based on records, commitments and performance.
The statement also referenced the emerging political contest for the Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency seat ahead of 2027, noting that Ntufam Henry Ojogu, described as a son of Ofutop, is also seeking the position.
Adams, however, maintained that the primary concern should be accountability and the welfare of constituents rather than political rivalry.
He called on Hon. Victor Abang to explain what happened to the commitments allegedly made to the Ofutop community and provide clarity on their status.
The controversy comes as political calculations intensify across Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 elections, with potential aspirants positioning themselves for the contest.
For the people of Ofutop, the immediate demand is simple: they want to know whether the projects discussed with their representatives are still being pursued, delayed or abandoned.
Hon. Victor Abang is yet to publicly respond to the specific allegations contained in Adams' statement as presented.
Post A Comment: