Odukpani –Stakeholders from the four blocs in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State have endorsed the member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bassey Akiba, for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
The endorsement was announced during separate meetings and rallies held across the Eburutu, Iboku, Okoyong and Omo blocs of the council area.
The stakeholders commended the lawmaker’s performance since assuming office in 2023, citing his interventions in agriculture, education, healthcare, livelihood support and legislative representation.
They described Akiba as a grassroots-oriented representative, adding that his initiatives had positively impacted youths and women in the constituency.
The community leaders also insisted that it was Odukpani’s turn to retain the seat, noting that Calabar Municipality had previously occupied the position for 12 years before Akiba’s emergence.
According to them, denying Odukpani a second term would be unjust, stressing that the federal constituency seat is rotational between Calabar Municipality and Odukpani.
They further appealed to the state governor to disregard calls for the seat to return to Calabar Municipality, insisting that fairness and equity demand that Odukpani complete its tenure.
At the Okoyong bloc rally, stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, alongside councillors from the area, passed a vote of confidence in the lawmaker and endorsed him for another term.
Similarly, at the Omo bloc, speakers commended Akiba’s livelihood programmes, describing them as impactful. The motion for his endorsement was moved by the councillor representing Mbiabo Obom Itiat Ward, Effiong Adiam, and seconded by Emmanuel Effiong Nsa of Odot Ward.
In Eburutu bloc, the endorsement motion was moved by Aruk Emmanuel of Eki Ward and seconded by Okokon Ekpenyong of Ito/Idere/Ukwa Ward, while stakeholders in Iboku bloc also unanimously backed the lawmaker.
Responding, Akiba thanked the people for their support, stressing that electoral success depends on popular backing rather than financial strength.
He said, “No matter how much money you have, you cannot win without the support of the people.
“It is only when we work together that we will be able to move the federal constituency forward. I assure you that if given the mandate for a second term, the difference will be clear, and we shall continue to work together as a team.”
