Stakeholders and concerned youths from Ikom and Boki Local Government Areas of Cross River State have challenged the member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang, to explain what has happened to employment promises made to constituents.
The stakeholders said promises to facilitate federal employment opportunities for qualified youths in the constituency were made ahead of the 2023 general elections but have remained largely unfulfilled.
Speaking on the matter, one of the group leaders, Mr. Charles Bissong, said the promise was made as part of efforts to address youth unemployment in the constituency.
Bissong said many graduates and skilled youths who expected to benefit from the promised federal opportunities are still without jobs.
According to him, names of prospective beneficiaries were compiled and curriculum vitae were submitted, but the expected employment opportunities have not materialised.
Also speaking, an Ikom stakeholder, Mr. Sylvester Ndifon, said the constituents were not demanding political patronage or favouritism, but wanted transparency from their representative.
Ndifon said the people deserved to know what employment opportunities had been attracted to the constituency, who benefited from them and what plans were in place to fulfil outstanding promises.
The stakeholders are therefore calling on Abang to provide a clear account of employment opportunities secured for Ikom and Boki since he assumed office and explain the steps being taken to address the concerns of unemployed youths.
They maintained that their demand was about accountability and effective representation, rather than a political attack.
Reacting to the allegations, Hon. Victor Abang dismissed them as an opposition attack. He maintained that he had done a lot for the people of the constituency and challenged his critics to tell the people what they had done.
However, when pressed for details of the employment opportunities secured and beneficiaries, the lawmaker reportedly did not provide specific figures or names.
The controversy has renewed calls from constituents for greater accountability over constituency representation, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum.
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