By Nsan Ndoma-Neji
Three years into the 10th Assembly, Ikom/Boki lawmaker Victor Abang says constant criticism by those who see themselves as political opponents cannot erase his lofty achievements, stressing that his extensive constituency projects and empowerments completely vindicate him.
The law maker made the remarks yesterday while reacting to criticism from political opponents who accused him of performing below average.
Abang said he has fulfilled his pledge to offer quality, accessible and responsive leadership and said, “When I was sworn into office, I made a solemn promise that our representation would be people-oriented, accessible, responsive, and focused on tangible development.”
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The lawmaker rated his legislative performance as impactful, citing motions and bills that directly addressed constituency and national concerns.
He listed motions on the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary dispute to protect Danare and Biajua, the invasion of Okwa community by Cameroonian nationals, completion of the NDDC Specialist Hospital in Ikom, dredging of Calabar Seaport and rehabilitation of the Odukpani Junction-Ekot Ekpene federal road.
Among his bills which he mentioned include, the Elite Sheriff Corps Establishment Bill, bills for Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry Okundi, Federal Medical Centre Boki, Federal College of Education (Technical) Ikom, and the National Park Service Amendment Bill to create an independent Okwangwo National Park Unit.
Abang also scored himself high on human capital and social welfare, stressing that over 4,000 constituents have benefited from direct interventions.
These include 1,000 beneficiaries of Conditional Cash Transfer, 1,000 of Renewed Hope Nano Grant, 400 students on educational support, grants to 27 Law School students, over 150 youths under NDE and ITF Skill-Up programmes.
Others include 100 artisans living with disabilities empowered, agrochemicals for 1,350 cocoa farmers, and N48 million Christmas and New Year support across the 22 wards, plus food items for 700 needy constituents.
In education, healthcare and emergency response, the lawmaker said his scorecard shows tangible results.
He listed renovation and reconstruction of over 12 primary schools including St. Stephen Primary School Nnam, Community Secondary Commercial School Okangha, St. Theresa RCM Adijinkpor and Holy Trinity Olum, and construction of classroom blocks in Etikpe, Alesi and Bekpor-Irruan.
He added the donation of N350 million hospital equipment to Abo Ebam community Health Centre, solar power systems for health facilities, and N70 million relief materials to victims of the Ikom Market fire accident and financial support to victims of election violence in Mgbabisu.
On infrastructure and connectivity, Abang said he has opened up rural communities that were long neglected.
His report cited hundreds of solar streetlights installed in Ikom 1 and 2 and Boki 1 and 2 state constituencies, transformers in Bawop, borehole rehabilitation, construction of Edor Market shops, Bokalum Town Hall, guest houses in Ekpechi Nkome and Buanchor, mini stadium at Ekumba Kakwagom and earthworks on Kakwagom-Oku Borum-Njua road.
For telecoms, he facilitated MTN mini-masts in 25 communities including Kakwe Beebo, Buanchor, Okwa 1 & 2 and Ndimechang, noting that a second phase including Bukalum and Danare is awaiting installation.
While scoring himself high, the lawmaker admitted that more work remains and announced that fresh projects have been captured in the 2026 Federal Budget to consolidate his performance.
These include a Youth Development and Recreation Centre in Bansan-Osokom, health centre at Oku-Aro, market stores at Nde and Bunyia-Irruan, erosion control at Kakwagom and new classroom blocks at Nsadop.
“These accomplishments are not specifically mine alone, but the result of a shared vision,” he said, pledging to remain guided by “humility, accessibility, accountability, diligence, and service” in the years ahead.
