Stakeholders in Cross River Central Senatorial District have cautioned social media activists and content creators against using their platforms to inflame political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in pursuit of financial or political interests.
The stakeholders made the call following an alleged assault involving content creator Assam Michael Okongor, popularly known as MC Okrika, and suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Central Senatorial District candidate, Hon. Oden Ewa, at Hotel 45 in Ikom.
ALSO READ: The Oden Ewa Side of the Story About Mc Okrika invading Hotel 45 With Alleged Cultist
Content Creator Alleges Assault at Ikom Meeting
Okongor alleged that he was assaulted by political associates of Ewa during a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the senatorial candidate in Ikom on Saturday, September 6.
In a statement issued through his counsel, T.O. Teke, Esq., Okongor alleged that the confrontation involved slapping, beating and having a drink poured on him.
His lawyer further alleged that attempts to record the incident were restricted, resulting in limited footage from the scene. He maintained that photographs and videos showing Okongor interacting peacefully with Ewa before the confrontation did not capture the complete sequence of events.
The counsel has petitioned the Cross River State Police Command, requesting a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
He also asserted his client’s right to freedom of expression, political commentary and criticism of public officials.
Ewa’s Associates Reject Allegations
However, associates of Oden Ewa have rejected the allegations, describing them as a “spurious insinuation intended to dent the image of Oden Ewa in view of his growing political profile.”
Agbor Eba, a close associate of the APC senatorial candidate, accused Okongor of allegedly engaging in a campaign of calumny against political leaders.
Eba particularly referenced comments allegedly made by the content creator concerning political leaders from Etung and maintained that Okongor should be held accountable if found culpable.
MC Okrika’s Social Media Activism
Okongor, who describes himself as a “Cross River Very Dark Man,” has used his social media platforms to highlight alleged infrastructure deficiencies and other community concerns in Etung and Ikom.
His online activities have attracted public attention, including videos focusing on the condition of some public schools.
Tension reportedly escalated following a recent video in which Okongor criticised Prince Ebuta Ayuk, a prominent Etung political leader and Director-General of Ewa’s campaign organisation.
Sources said the video led to exchanges between Okongor and supporters of Ayuk and Ewa, with some individuals subsequently advising him to moderate his criticism of political leaders in the district.
The disagreement reportedly culminated in the confrontation at the Ikom stakeholders’ meeting.
Community Leader Calls for Responsible Activism
A community leader in Etung, Samuel Agbor, who attended the meeting, confirmed that an altercation occurred but expressed disagreement with what he described as Okongor’s approach to social media activism.
Agbor said supporters of Ewa were displeased with what they considered derogatory remarks against community leaders.
He also noted that Okongor had previously drawn attention to the poor condition of some public schools in Etung, following which Ewa allegedly provided ₦13 million for rehabilitation work.
Agbor urged young people involved in content creation to embrace responsible journalism and advocacy, stressing that social media should not become a platform for attacking political opponents or settling personal disputes.
Stakeholders Urge Youths to Exercise Restraint
Another stakeholder, Emmanuel Ogar, called on youths to respect community leaders and avoid actions capable of damaging the reputation of individuals or communities.
Ogar also warned against excessive zeal in the pursuit of online monetisation, saying political disagreements should not degenerate into personal attacks or physical confrontation.
He described Ewa as a peaceful politician committed to development in Cross River Central and urged political actors, supporters and content creators to exercise restraint as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Call for Responsible Social Media Use Ahead of 2027
The stakeholders ultimately called for greater responsibility in the use of social media, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
They stressed that disagreements among political actors, supporters and content creators should be addressed through dialogue, responsible communication and lawful channels, rather than confrontation.
The development has renewed discussions about the role of social media activism in Cross River’s political space and the need for content creators to balance freedom of expression with responsible journalism and peaceful civic engagement.
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