Photo: Hon Victor Abang
By Simon Abang
The attention of the Office of Hon. Victor Abang, PhD, Member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has been drawn to a publication authored by Mr. Egboh Simon Eyare, who described himself as Secretary General of Progressive For All Bunyia/Okubuchi.
In the said publication, Mr. Eyare alleged, among other claims, that the representation of Hon. Victor Abang over the last two and a half years has fallen short of expectations and that, despite the overwhelming support he received from Bunyia/Okubuchi Ward, he has not lived up to his mandate.
In a democratic society, every citizen reserves the inalienable right to freedom of expression. The emergence of social media has further expanded the frontiers of public discourse, allowing individuals to ventilate opinions, whether such opinions are founded on fact or fiction. However, as Joseph Goebbels once infamously suggested, a falsehood repeated often enough may be accepted by some as truth. Yet, history has consistently shown that truth possesses a stubborn resilience that ultimately outlives propaganda.
As the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer observed, “Truth passes through three stages: first, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; and third, it is accepted as self-evident.”
It is therefore striking that while Mr. Eyare continues on what appears to be a solitary political frolic, respected opinion leaders and stakeholders from Bunyia/Okubuchi have already responded comprehensively through a rejoinder titled “Rejoinder to the So-Called Open Complaint Against Hon. Victor Abang.” That rejoinder more accurately reflects the prevailing sentiment of the people and the objective realities of Hon. Abang’s stewardship.
Available facts, without ambiguity, show that within the last two and a half years, Hon. Victor Abang has demonstrated remarkable legislative capacity and uncommon commitment to representation across the 22 wards of Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency.
Among the numerous interventions and achievements recorded are the following:
-Facilitation of telecommunications infrastructure in Ndimechang community.
-Organisation of the Boki/Ikom Unity Cup, in which the Bunyia/Okubuchi team actively participated.
-Enrollment of over 1,000 constituents into the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, with beneficiaries drawn from Bunyia/Okubuchi.
-Distribution of rice, food items, and other relief materials during the 2023 yuletide season, which also benefitted indigenes of Bunyia/Okubuchi.
-Empowerment of party structures through the distribution of 22 motorcycles to ward chairmen across the constituency, including the Chairman of Bunyia/Okubuchi Ward.
-Disbursement of over ₦3,000,000 to party faithful in Bunyie/Okubochi between the 2024 and 2025 festive seasons as support for Christmas celebrations.
-Training of artisans and persons with special needs across the constituency, accompanied by financial grants, with beneficiaries also emerging from Bunyia/Okubuchi.
-Distribution of agrochemicals to farmers across the constituency, with significant participation from Bunyia/Okubuchi.
-Supply of yam seedlings and pumping machines to support dry-season farming, from which many indigenes of Bunyia/Okubuchi benefitted.
-Capacity-building programmes for traditional rulers and chiefs on peacebuilding and community development, with participants receiving certificates and stipends of ₦50,000. Bunyia/Okubuchi was represented among the beneficiaries.
-Organisation of Small and Medium Enterprise training programmes for constituents, with participants drawn from Bunyia/Okubuchi Ward.
-Ongoing construction of a six-classroom block at Primary School, Bekpo Irruan.
-Ongoing installation of streetlights in Bunyia Irruan.
These interventions represent the practical meaning of responsive representation. They are not mere promises, but verifiable actions that speak to the commitment of Hon. Victor Abang to improving the quality of life of his constituents.
As Edmund Burke famously stated, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Hon. Victor Abang has refused to do nothing. He has remained steadfast, visible, and deeply committed to the people who entrusted him with their mandate.
To the good people of Boki/Ikom, while we acknowledge and respect the constitutional right of every citizen to express dissenting opinions, we must also recognise that public commentary should be anchored on truth, fairness, and a genuine commitment to collective progress.
It is unfortunate that some individuals have chosen the path of distortion, divisiveness, and political mischief at a time when the constituency is making measurable progress. Those who seek to undermine genuine development through false narratives must understand that the people of Boki/Ikom are politically aware, enlightened, and capable of distinguishing between constructive criticism and calculated propaganda.
Hon. Victor Abang cannot be distracted by false narratives or fifth columnists clothed in the garment of destruction. His focus remains unwavering: to continue delivering on the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency.
Simon Abang is the
Personal Assistant (PA) to Hon. Victor Abang, PhD, on Media/Publicity and Strategic Communications
