The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.
— Kenneth Blanchard, author and management expert.
I write this piece as an Obanliku son in the first instance then as a commentator on issues in the public sphere. I know that just like my brother and comrade in the see something and say something practice, Prof Imbua rightly said, reasoned engagement is often supplanted by sentiments and expediency, by page boys and political jobbers.
The Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu federal constituency in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State has enjoyed a peaceful and seamless transition of one tenure from each of the federating zones to another like an unwritten constitution. This smooth political relationship between the zones was interrupted only once by liyel Imoke when he reasoned that Ben Ayade was from the old Obudu(presently Obanliku and Obudu LGAs) and giving him the Governorship while the house of representatives post remains with Obanliku, Frank Adah being an incumbent and entitled to a second term, will leave Bekwarra politically destitute. He deprived Obanliku of her second term and gave it to Legor Idagbo of Bekwarra. The Obanliku people believed in the political configuration and keyed into the Governorship deal, even working against their own son, Fidel Ugbo who took up the Governorship ticket in the labour Party. Believing that an Obudu son Governorship is their own, regrettably, they lost out, as Obanliku was treated with ignominy and left underdeveloped.
Today, we are confronted with the decision once again, to be or not to be? Is the question. However, this question now sounds rhetorical as the geometrics and the developmetrics, permit me my coinage, are all in Obanliku’s Favour. Hon Peter Akpanke, the bearer of the Obanliku people’s mandate has kept faith with it even in the face of menacing challenges, both in terms of Character and performance. As a young man, very few persons would have readily overcome the glamour and frenzy of power and settle down to the business of representation as he did. I was one of his critics, I made it known to him at every step of the way that he must deliver on his promises. Despite the initial emotions of social entanglements he delivered nonetheless.
The question therefore; Development or Zoning? becomes a cheap task in the OBO Federal constituency decision for the forth coming general elections. Every indigene of OBO knows it that Obanliku deserves a second term, not out of pity but of entitlement, and of earning it through the service delivery of Hon Peter Akpanke, their son. In character, he has maintained a steady state of mind, relating with the people as always. He is frequently at home, even if it means borrowing to be with his people. A character trait that is absent in most office holders. He maintains a circle of friends including the highs and the lows, even those who fought him close to taking his life in the last Elections, he has forgiven and reunited with them, he sits with the community, the very commoners and drink with them. This trait of character is uncommon. So what do the electorate expect from their mandate bearer? Is it an emperor? Too high up there to reach? Is it a dictator? Too difficult to be convinced of general views? He listens, he shares and relates generally.
In terms of Development, I will leave you with a catalogue of his projects:
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Motions and Petitions Raised (Total – 6):
* Motion for the rehabilitation of Obudu Dam Resort (contract awarded, funding in progress)
* Co-sponsored motion on the potential loss of Cross River territory to Cameroon
* Petition on behalf of students unjustly withdrawn from the University of Calabar (UNICAL)
* Co-sponsored motion on demarcation and opposition to ceding Danere and Bajua communities
* Motion on the indiscriminate issuance of Certificates of No Objection (Bureau of Public Procurement engaged)
* Motion addressing the spate of kidnappings at UNICAL, Calabar
* Bill Sponsored:
A Bill for the Establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Obanliku
CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS
Completed Projects (44 completed):
*Education & Infrastructure:
* Construction of Community Secondary School Block, Ukpada, Utugwang, Obudu- completed
* Renovation of 2 Classroom Block with Offices, Ketting Primary School Obanliku- completed.
* Construction of 3 classroom block in Olokpa in Beten Ward of Bekwarra- completed
* Construction of 3 classroom block in Kubung Bette Community of Obudu-completed
* Construction of 3 classroom block in Community Secondary School, Ketting-completed
* Water and Sanitation:
* Installation of solar powered Borehole in Sankwala market- completed
* Installation of solar powered Borehole in Obudu Main Market- completed
* Installation of solar powered Borehole in Abouchiche market, Bekwarra- completed
* Installation of solar powered Borehole in Bebuankayang, Obanliku- Completed
* Installation of solar powered Borehole in Bayaga, Obanliku- completed
* Construction of Modern Toilet in Sankwala market, Obanliku- completed.
* Renovation of Primary Health Centre, Ketting
* Construction of modern toilet in Obudu main market- completed
*Street Lighting Solar-Powered:
* Installation of solar powered street lights from Amunga junction to Ranch Road, Obudu
* Installation of solar powered street lights at Kigem Bebuabong
* Installation of solar street light in Kigem -Bebuabong
* Installation of solar powered street light in Ketting
* installation of solar powered street light in Bendegie
* Installation of solar powered street light in Begiasule
* Installation of solar powered street light in Akorshi
* Installation of solar powered street light in Nyanya
* Installation of solar powered street light in Hausa Quarters, Obudu.
* Installation of solar powered street light at Bishiri Road, Obudu
* Installation of solar powered street light at Obudu College of Nursing Science
* Supply of solar street light to Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu.
* Installation of solar powered street light PHC junction to sankwala roundabout, Sankwala Obanliku
* Installation of solar powered street light in Utugbor, Bekwarra
* Installation of solar powered street light from PHC to Sankwala junction
* Installation of solar powered street light in Boggo I community
* Installation of solar powered street light in Boggo II community
* Installation of solar powered street light in Ogbakokor community (Utanga)
Telecom Connection:
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Bayaga, Obanlikwu
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Bayaleke, Obanliku
Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Amanana, Obanliku
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Kundeve, Obanlikwu
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Yindeveve, Obanliku
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Yadoo, Obanliku
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Agonogo, Obanliku
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Ugugu, Obanliku
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Bukuyama, Obanliku
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Omale, Obanliku
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Bebuabo, Obudu
Installation of mtn 2gb network in Begiababa, Obudu
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Kutiang, Obudu
* Installation of mtn 2gb network in Ashikpe, Obudu
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Bayatung Ukpe, Obudu
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Kogbor (Ukpe), Obudu
* Installation of Mtn 2gb network in Ogoja Alege,
* installation of Mtn 2gb network in Okorshie, Obudu
Ongoing Constituency Projects:
* Ongoing Construction of Classroom Block in Ububa’iye (Bekwarra)
* Ongoing construction of classroom block in Begiaba (Obudu)
* Ongoing construction of classroom block in Bagga in Utanga (Obanliku)
* Ongoing Rural Road Construction in Bendi
• Construction Of Atubulum road in Gakem, Awarded.
• Construction Of Utugwang Market road, Awarded.
* Ongoing construction of Mini stadium, Ketting
EMPOWERMENT & HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT:
* Agricultural Support:
* Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Obudu
* Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Obanliku
* Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Bekwarra
* Fertilizer distribution to rural farmers to farmers across the constituency
* Tools and Equipment
Distribution:
* Distribution of over 200 grinding machines across the constituency
* Distribution of over 200 sewing machines across the constituency
* Distributed over 40 Motorcycles to constituents across the constitfreely
* Empowered his constituent with a Toyota Camry
* Skills and Welfare Programs:
* Facilitate Training and empowerment of constituents in makeup and hairdressing.
* Distribution of food items to over 1000 widows and vulnerable groups across the constituency
* Back to School Program with education material support
* Payment of school fees for orphans and vulnerable children across the constituency
* Scholarships awarded to:
* Best JAMB scorer from the constituency
* Bursary support of ₦200,000 each to 54 law school students from the constituency
* 1050 JAMB forms distributed across the constituency
* Free transportation for over 920 students returning to school
* Healthcare Initiative:
Peter Akpanke Free Medical Outreach:
10,456 beneficiaries
112 surgeries
19 surgical referrals
. Retainaship with Sacred Heart Hospital where constituents with critical Health Conditions are treated free.
* JOB PLACEMENT & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT:
* Hon. Peter Akpanke has facilitated employment opportunities for constituents in federal agencies, including:
5 trainees currently at EFCC
4 placements at NDLEA
10 placements in the Nigeria Police Force
3 appointments at the Federal College of Education, Obudu
1. Appointment at National Orthopaedic hospital, Dala
15 State Jobs for constituents
SUMMARY AT A GLANCE
Category Details
Motions & Petitions 6
Bills Sponsored 1 (University Bill)
Projects Completed :49+
Ongoing Projects :8
Empowerment Programs 15+ major programs
Education Support 600 JAMB forms, 54 bursaries, 2 scholarships
Medical Outreach 10,456 reached; 112 surgeries; 19 referrals
Job Placements: 38 for constituents in Federal and State Agencies
This report reflects Hon. Peter Akpanke’s impactful and people-centered representation, characterized by visible development, youth empowerment, educational advancement, and strong legislative engagement.
With this my submission, I leave you with the incontrovertible statement that inarguably, OBO’s case is different, Development or Zoning, Hon Peter Akpanke is the best bet for now.
I appeal to our friends, benefactors, in-laws, kin and kiths on the other sides of our divides to understand that we(Obanliku) too deserve to be given our fair share. We expect that understanding now from them more than ever, by so doing, we shall be justified when they come up at the appropriate time, and we give them our support.
Elder Agba Ebenezer Agba manupa, mnipr. is a freelancer, and commentator on issues in the public sphere.
