The lawmaker has also left no stone unturned in ensuring that he helps his constituents secure government jobs.
Last month, Rep Peter Akpanke, representing Obudu/Bekwerra/Obanliku federal constituency, marked 18 months in office. The first-time lawmaker opposition Lawmaker has demonstrated impressive strides in facilitating projects, sponsoring bills/motions, implementing empowerment programmes and facilitating job opportunities for his constituents.
So far, Rep. Akpanke has been actively engaged in legislative activities, with a total of eight involvements, comprising seven critical motions and one bill. Interestingly, one of his motions drew attention to the urgent need for the federal government to rehabilitate the Obudu Dam Resort, which has sparked significant interest from the government. In fact, rumours suggest that a contract has been awarded for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Obudu Dam, a development that could have far-reaching benefits for his constituency.
He also spearheaded a motion to address the alarming rate of kidnappings at the University of Calabar, despite the institution falling outside his constituency. As an alumnus, he felt compelled to bring the issue to the government’s attention, leading to significant security improvements, thanks in part to the university management’s efforts. He equally co-sponsored a motion with fellow Cross River lawmakers to alert the government about the potential loss of parts of Cross River State to Cameroun. Specifically, the motion aimed to address the demarcation of Danare and Biajua communities, which were at risk of being ceded to Cameroon.
The Reps member is also playing a crucial role in advancing the long-standing quest for the creation of Ogoja State by co-sponsoring a bill to that effect. The bill, which seeks to alter Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, to grant statehood for Ogoja, which has been a former province merged with Calabar. Earlier today, the Reps committee listed Ogoja State as one of the proposed states to be created.
The Legislator has also demonstrated his commitment to infrastructure development, facilitating a total of 20 projects within his constituency. Impressively, 10 of these projects have been completed, while the remaining 10 are ongoing. The completed projects include the installation of solar street lights in Bendi communities, construction of solar-powered boreholes in strategic locations such as Sankwala Market, and the provision of solar-powered boreholes, toilets, and streetlights at Obudu Old Market Park.
Others are, installation of solar street lights in various locations, including Beten and Nyanya wards of Bekwarra, and across several communities in Obudu. Additionally, he has overseen the provision of boreholes in Bebuankayang and Bayaga communities, ensuring access to clean water for residents. Other notable projects include the installation of solar street lights along the Obanliku Primary Health Centre junction to Sankwala Roundabout, and solar light installations in Boggo 1, II, and Ogbakokor communities of Utanga/Becheve. He has also facilitated the installation of network antenna installations in remote areas of the federal constituency, promoting improved communication and connectivity.
His commitment to education is evident in the numerous ongoing projects aimed at enhancing learning infrastructure. These include the construction of classroom blocks in various locations such as Ububa’iyeye, Olokpa, Ubepa, Utugwang, and Begiading wards. Also, renovation works are underway at Ketting Primary School in Obanliku, while new classroom blocks are being constructed in Community Secondary School, Bendi, Utanga, and Kubung bette, Angiaba begiaka ward, Obudu LGA.
Despite facing funding constraints from the federal government, which have slowed the pace of some of the ongoing projects, Akpanke reassured in a recent conversation that he will intensify efforts to secure the necessary funding, ensuring that all ongoing projects are completed to the highest standards, and that the benefits are fully realized by the communities he serves.
His empowerment initiatives have been equally impressive. He has facilitated various programmes aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of his constituents. Key Empowerment Initiatives include the distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers across Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku, as well as the provision of machines and grinding engines to over 200 constituents.
Similarly, he has distributed sewing machines and motorcycles to selected beneficiaries in Bekwarra, and implemented a free mega medicare programme that benefited over 10,000 constituents, with 112 surgeries conducted. He has also organized skill acquisition training in various fields, including hairdressing, makeup, and other businesses. 54 constituents attending the Nigeria Law School have been supported with bursary, even as he awarded a full-time scholarship to the highest JAMB scorer, and funded the distribution of free JAMB forms for over 300 students.
The lawmaker has also left no stone unturned in ensuring that he helps his constituents secure government jobs. To this end, he has facilitated job and recruitment opportunities for his constituents in reputable organizations, including the NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal College of Education, Obudu.
Nevertheless, the lawmaker who rode on his philanthropism to win the 2023 election, has also provided free transportation to over 800 students traveling from Obanliku, Bekwarra, and Obudu to schools at the peak of the fuel price hike, cleared hospital bills for patients at Bekwarra General Hospital and other healthcare facilities and distributed free fuel to commercial motorists and drivers in Obudu as a palliative measure to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
Moreover, a vital attribute he has restored to his federal constituency is accessibility. Since the departure of the cerebral former lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Paul Adah from the House in 2011, constituents had struggled to reach their representatives. While his successors achieved notable milestones in other areas, they fell short in making themselves available to listen to and understand the needs of their people.
Naturally, people feel more connected to leaders they can access and in the past 18 months, Akpanke has made himself remarkably accessible, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their status, has a direct line to him. This approach has been incredibly effective in making his constituents feel valued and respected. If the call for lawmakers to spend more time in their constituencies were to become a reality, Akpanke’s approach would undoubtedly serve as a model for building strong relationships with the people while still fulfilling his duties as a lawmaker.
However, despite his impressive achievements, his constituents are eager for even more. The enthusiasm is understandable being that his people have not experienced a better first 18 months under any previous Lawmaker. As the pressure continues to mount for him to do more, it’s worth noting that this expectation is not a reflection of underperformance, but rather a desire to see him build upon his already impressive track record and do better because he can actually do more.
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Inyali Peter (Ph.D) is a journalist from Obudu, Cross River North.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Inyali Peter (Ph.D), and do not represent the opinion of TheInvestigator or any other organization the author works for/with.