By Seyi Odewale
A member of the House of Representatives, Victor Abang, has presented his midterm scorecard to constituents of Boki–Ikom Federal Constituency in Cross River State, outlining his legislative record, constituency interventions and policy engagements, while distributing Christmas gifts valued at N48 million.
Abang unveiled the report during a series of town hall meetings and constituency briefings across Boki, explaining that the exercise was designed to deepen transparency, promote accountability and enable constituents to assess his performance halfway into his tenure objectively.
He said the public presentation was also intended to counter misinformation, particularly on social media, by presenting verifiable facts to the public. According to him, the realities of governance often differ from campaign promises.
While prevailing circumstances constrained some pledges, several impactful interventions were implemented, including projects not originally included in his campaign agenda.
Among the highlights, Abang cited the expansion of telecommunications coverage to rural communities, disclosing that 35 communities have so far been connected to telecom masts, significantly improving communication and economic activity. He added that additional communities are already slated for similar interventions.
On legislative advocacy, the lawmaker recalled sponsoring a motion on July 5, 2023, on the Nigeria–Cameroon boundary dispute affecting border communities in Cross River State.
He said the motion, which enjoyed broad support in the House, led to the constitution of an ad hoc committee and prompted the Federal Government to halt a demarcation process that could have resulted in Nigeria losing more than 10,000 hectares of land to Cameroon, including parts of Biajua and Danare communities.
Abang explained that the halted exercise had disregarded established colonial boundary markers, such as Pillar 113A, and warned that failure to intervene would have led to significant territorial losses.
In the health sector, he disclosed that he facilitated the provision of medical equipment valued at over N300 million to the Primary Health Centre in Abo Ebam, while sustaining advocacy efforts around the Federal Medical Centre serving the constituency.
The lawmaker also highlighted his sponsorship of the National Park Service Amendment Bill, which seeks to establish the Okwangwo National Park Unit as an independent national park.
He said the initiative would strengthen conservation efforts, generate employment and ensure that host communities directly benefit from eco-tourism activities.
He added that engagements are ongoing with national and international partners to secure approvals for supporting infrastructure, including access roads within the park.
As part of the engagement, Abang presented a compendium of his legislative and constituency activities titled The Banjuere, detailing projects executed within his first two years in the National Assembly, including a mini-stadium, telecommunications expansion and health interventions.
He also distributed Christmas gifts worth N48 million to constituents, describing the gesture as part of his commitment to sharing democratic dividends and easing economic pressures during the festive season.
Abang assured constituents that the midterm scorecard reflects work in progress and pledged to pursue additional bills, motions, and constituency-focused projects before the end of his tenure.
He urged residents to remain constructively engaged, reaffirming his commitment to transparent, people-centred and results-driven representation.
