Stop Weaponising Engr. Kelvin Against Boki People, Community Leader Charges CRSG

By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Hon. Pius Abang Besong, has cautioned against what he described as a sustained campaign of political intimidation and misinformation targeted at his aspiration ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Speaking in a telephone conversation with our Correspondent, Abang expressed concern over recent statements credited to the Personal Assistant to Engr. Kelvin Njong, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Boki Local Government Area and a member of the Cross River State Forestry Commission Board, saying such comments were capable of inflaming political tension and undermining ongoing efforts to sustain peace in the area.

The PDP candidate maintained that he had no involvement whatsoever in the communal crisis that affected Iso-Bendeghe and neighbouring communities, insisting that attempts to associate him with the unfortunate incident were politically motivated and intended to diminish the goodwill and public confidence he has built over the years.

He further alleged that certain interests within the state's political establishment were orchestrating campaigns of calumny against opposition voices in Boki, warning that democracy can only flourish where political competition is conducted with tolerance, civility and respect for the rule of law.

Abang appealed to Engr. Kelvin Njong to prevail on those acting on his behalf to refrain from statements or actions capable of deepening divisions within communities that are only beginning to recover from past conflicts.

According to him, residents and stakeholders from Iso-Bendeghe, Nsadop, Katabang and Njua have continued to express concerns over the rising political tension in the area, stressing that such concerns deserve careful attention rather than further politicisation.

While reiterating his commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, the House of Representatives hopeful called on the Ochibe Bokyi, the Traditional Rulers Council, security agencies and the Cross River State Government to ensure that no individual or political group is allowed to undermine the prevailing peace or intimidate citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

He said the responsibility of government is to unite communities, safeguard democratic freedoms and create an atmosphere where every citizen can freely participate in the political process without fear, harassment or intimidation.

Turning to issues of governance, Abang faulted what he described as the continued neglect of Boki in the implementation of key development projects, arguing that the government should devote greater attention to addressing the developmental needs of the people than engaging in needless political distractions.

He questioned the administration's decision to flag off road projects and housing schemes across parts of the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts during the peak of the rainy season, maintaining that such initiatives would have greater impact if matched with sustained investment in grassroots governance and the timely execution of projects.

The PDP standard bearer maintained that the surest path to winning the confidence of the people in the Central Senatorial District lies in strengthening local government administration through the prompt and full remittance of statutory allocations to the six local government councils in the district.

"If the government truly wishes to make a good outing in the Central Senatorial District, it should begin by remitting all statutory allocations due to the six local government area councils," he stated.

According to Abang, some local government councils receive monthly allocations in excess of ₦400 million, a figure he said would amount to several billions of naira over the remaining period of the administration if fully released and prudently managed.

He argued that empowering local governments with their full financial resources would significantly improve the delivery of infrastructure, primary healthcare, education, agriculture and other essential services at the grassroots, while strengthening public confidence in government.

"Our people deserve development, not division," he said. "This is the time to concentrate on strengthening our communities, creating opportunities for our youths and restoring confidence in government. Political differences should never become an excuse for hostility or the weaponisation of public institutions."

Abang assured his supporters that no amount of political pressure or orchestrated smear campaign would distract him from pursuing an issue-based campaign founded on peace, accountability and service to the people of Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency.

He urged all political actors to embrace tolerance, reject inflammatory rhetoric and allow the electorate to freely determine their choice at the polls, insisting that the future of Boki would be better secured through unity, responsible leadership and constructive political engagement than through actions capable of breeding unnecessary discord.

But the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Emmanuel Inyang denied all the allegations against the APC saying APC cannot condescend so low to intimidate opposition.