RE: SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT ON THE CALABAR MUNICIPALITY/ODUKPANI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY REPRESENTATION by Antigha Okon Effiong
We have read with great concern a statement issued on June 4, 2025, by one Elder Antigha Okon Effiong, purportedly on behalf of a group named the Calabar Municipal-Odukpani Coalition (CAMOC), which falsely and mischievously declared the Federal House of Representatives seat for Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency as “vacant.”
This statement is not only misleading but also a blatant attempt to distort facts and manipulate public sentiment along divisive lines. We respond as follows per issues raised:
1) Issue raised by Antigha Okon Effiong:
Take Notice that following the abysmal underperformance of the Current House of Representatives member which the constituency has never experienced since 1999.
Response:
The accusation of “abysmal underperformance” against the current Member representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency is unfounded and politically motivated. Let’s deal with fact. We challenge the author to bring what others did in two years and we will bring out what Rep. Bassey Akiba has done in two years in line with his bond with the people for the public to compare. This is even as these achievements are well published in all our social media platforms. The record speaks for itself, and constituents from both Calabar Municipal and Odukpani can attest to the impact.
2) Issue raised by Antigha Okon Effiong
Considering the fact that out of 28 years of unbroken Democracy, Calabar Municipality has served for 12 years while Odukpani will be completing 16 years by 2027.
Response:
The claim that Calabar Municipal has been marginalized is historically inaccurate. Let us remind the public:
From 1999 to 2007, the House of Reps seat was held by Etubom Nya Eyoma Asuquo, though from Odukpani, like other political office holders in Calabar municipality, held that office as contestant from Calabar Municipality.
From 2007 to 2015, the House of Reps seat was held by our amiable Governor Apostle ( Prince)Bassey Edet Otu as contestant from Odukpani
From 2015 to 2019, the House of Reps seat was held by Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo as contestant from Calabar Municipality
From 2019 to 2022, the House of Representatives seat was held by Hon. Etta Mbora as contestant from Calabar Municipality
Where then is the fairness, justice and equity?
3) Issue raised by Antigha Okon Effiong
Also, sequel to the fact that the Governor, Senator, and House of Reps are all currently from Odukpani and with automatic ticket mentality of APC for Governor and National Assembly members in the air, the same might be repeated in 2027.
Response:
Elections are based on credibility, capacity, and popularity, not merely geographical entitlement. The position of Governor, Senator, and House of Representatives Member is elective not appointive. The electorates freely gave them their mandate, even when they know that, they are all from Odukpani, in the case of Akiba, it was even Calabar municipality that voted him massively
4)Issue raised:
Take further notice that for the fact that the voting strength of Calabar Municipality is 190,000 votes while Odukpani is 50,000 votes respectively.
Response:
Assuming without conceding to the figures put forward, it is pertinent to educate the author that Calabar Municipality is the seat of government and heterogenous in nature. The city is made up of not only indigenes but residents including those from Odukpani Local Government Area and beyond, who constitute over 80% of the voting population
In fact, if there is any local government area in this federal constituency that is in dire need of more representation and development, it is certainly Odukpani and not Calabar Municipality.
It is therefore ideal, moral, ethical, equitable, justifiable, and fair that the position of House of Reps in 2027 remain in Odukpani LGA.
In conclusion, we urge the public to disregard the misleading statement by CAMOC. The unity of Calabar Municipal and Odukpani is paramount, and attempts to create division based on false narratives must be resisted. Let us focus on building together and evaluating leadership based on performance, inclusion, and progress not rhetoric.
*THE BRIDGE MEDIA*
