End-time Reportage

IKOM/BOKI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY: THE HOT TRUTH

As the race for the Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency gathers momentum under the ruling All Progressives Congress, political gladiators have once again emerged from different corners of Cross River’s power corridor to challenge the incumbent lawmaker, Victor Abang.

Three political heavyweights have reportedly volunteered themselves for what many now describe as a “rescue mission,” although voters are still struggling to remember who exactly they are being rescued from.

Leading the charge is Hillary Ekpang Bisong, the current member representing Boki II in the State House of Assembly. Having occupied the seat for three consecutive terms, one would expect villages in Boki to be wearing gold-plated roofs by now. Unfortunately, many constituents still complain that the loudest thing about his representation has been the campaign jingles during elections. Yet, like a student who refuses to graduate from secondary school, Hillary appears ready for another political promotion.

Then comes Tina Banku Agbor, the former Secretary to the State Government. Her résumé is intimidating, her political profile polished, but ask the average constituent what landmark impact she left behind in office, and you may receive the kind of silence usually observed during a minute’s tribute in church.

On the intellectual flank stands Cletus Obun, a man many agree possesses enough grammar to intimidate a dictionary. His oratory prowess is legendary; his interviews often sound like a professor defending a PhD thesis before the United Nations. Sadly, elections in Nigeria are rarely won by vocabulary. Political capacity, grassroots structure, and street credibility remain stubborn realities - and on those matters, analysts say the story is still under editorial review.

Ironically, the man they seek to unseat, Victor Abang, may not be perfect, but politics is not a beauty pageant for saints. In just three years at the National Assembly, Victor has managed to leave behind visible footprints that even his critics grudgingly acknowledge. From constituency engagement to projects and accessibility, his performance - though not flawless - has provided enough evidence to convince many that experience may currently outweigh experimentation.

Truth be told, when the scorecards are placed side by side, many constituents quietly whisper the uncomfortable conclusion: Victor Abang appears more impactful than the combined noise, grammar, and political nostalgia of the three challengers put together.

And that, perhaps, is the hottest truth of the Ikom/Boki contest.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

“A good journalist uses the lamp, not the mirror - the lamp to uncover truth, not the mirror to reflect personal feelings.”

The Greed of Politicians

Politics in Nigeria has often been described as a game of service, sacrifice and representation. But somewhere along the line, many politicians interpreted “public service” to mean a permanent tenancy arrangement funded by taxpayers. And nowhere is this comedy more visible than in the unfolding drama surrounding Alex Egbona and the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency seat.

After spending about seven years in the green chambers of the National Assembly, many APC stakeholders reportedly believed the honorable thing for Egbona was to take a bow, shake hands with constituents, and perhaps retire into the prestigious league of “former lawmakers” who now appear only at burials, thanksgiving services and political consultations.

But Nigerian politicians rarely retire willingly. In fact, many treat elective offices the same way village elders treat ancestral lands - inherited, sacred, and transferable only within the bloodline.

Just when APC faithful thought Egbona’s political curtain was finally closing, the lawmaker reportedly staged a dramatic return to the PDP, perhaps convinced that the Abi/Yakurr seat is not merely an elective office but his ancestral stool. To him, democracy may simply mean: “government of Egbona, by Egbona, for Egbona.”

Observers say the defection has left many constituents confused. Some had assumed that after two terms, the lawmaker would mentor younger politicians and support fresh ideas. Instead, the political equation now resembles a landlord chasing tenants out of a house he considers family property.

Meanwhile, the emergence of John Gaul Lebo has added fresh suspense to the unfolding political theatre. Lebo, a former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly and a close ally of Bassey Otu, is now widely seen as the establishment’s preferred successor in the race.

Ironically, many constituents who had hoped for political renewal now fear they may simply be witnessing another elite recycling program - where one familiar face exits the stage only for another long-standing insider to replace him. In the Nigerian political marketplace, “change” often means changing drivers while the same old bus continues the journey.

Analysts say the contest is gradually transforming into a battle between political entitlement and elite continuity. On one side stands a lawmaker unwilling to let go; on the other, another seasoned political heavyweight backed by powerful interests. The ordinary voter, as usual, watches from the sidelines like a spectator at a wrestling match arranged by the same promoters.

In the villages and beer parlours of Yakurr and Abi, residents have already started joking that the ballot paper in 2027 may need a special inscription:

“Warning: This seat is reserved for political shareholders only.”

Still, in Nigerian politics, nothing is impossible. Politicians who have tasted the comfort of Abuja often develop a rare medical condition known as Post-Term Withdrawal Syndrome — a disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to remain in office indefinitely.

For now, constituents wait patiently to see whether democracy will speak louder than political greed, or whether another miracle of “continuity” will once again descend upon the people.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

'SHE IS TRYING TO SNEAK INTO THE NA PRIMARIES WITHOUT BUYING THE FORMS'
- Co Aspirant Accuses Female Aspirant from Central CRS

Wonders will never end, it seems, as a prominent female politician in Cross River State has been accused of trying to 'Nicodemusly' sneak into the primaries of the House of Representatives without having obtained neither the Expression of Interest nor the Nomination form of the APC.

It has been discovered that up until 6pm on Friday, the 8th of May she had not bought any of the qualifying forms for the contest even though she was presenting herself everywhere as someone who had done all that was required and was ready for the primaries. "Is it on Monday she plans to buy the forms? Where will she find the form, in the black market" , wondered one of her fellow aspirant for the position.

Officially, the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms closed at midnight on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 following the extension of an earlier dateline, while submission of completed forms closed on midnight, Thursday, May 7, 2026.The close of sale of forms had been initially fixed for May 2, before the extension to May 4 and finally to May 6.

The aspirant who aims to represent Ikom/Boki people in the House of Representatives is accused of failing to do the needful but falsely presenting herself to the Governor as being qualified and prepared for the primaries. Her co-contestant expressed disappointment that a woman of such high social status will try to dupe the authorities with false claims in her desperation to go to the National Assembly.

Destiny Abang
Writes from the Hills of Bamba

We are not joking when we support and endorse John Otu for Boki II. Progressives identify with vision, capacity, and bold leadership - and that is exactly what John Otu represents.

This is beyond politics; it is about purpose, people, and progress. While others are making noise, John Otu is building trust, inspiring hope, and preparing for impactful representation.

The movement is growing because the people can already see the difference.

John Otu is the real deal.
Boki II deserves competence.
Join the movement.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

Today, the drums beat a little louder for a man whose pen once defended government policies with the energy of a town crier chasing breaking news through the villages of Boki. Happy birthday to Austin Atibile - the elsewhile Chief Press Secretary who never allowed silence to defeat publicity.

Austin is not just a brother and friend; he is one of the stubborn believers that Boki can be better, greater, and louder than the excuses holding it back. A man who can turn ordinary political grammar into “breaking development” before breakfast.

May your new age come with stronger WiFi for propaganda, longer battery life for advocacy, and enough strength to continue promoting the Boki dream, even when politicians are still “working on it.”

Happy birthday, brother. May your voice never go off like NEPA light in a press conference.

My dear fellow constituents and respected APC stakeholders, this is not the season for divided loyalty, whispering camps, or political gambling. The mandate before us demands unity, discipline, and commitment. Victory is not built by noise-makers at the corners, but by committed hands pulling in one direction.

Hon. John Otu represents more than ambition; he represents a movement for purposeful leadership and responsive representation. If we truly desire progress for Boki II, then we must rise above personal interests and stand firmly behind a mandate that reflects competence, accessibility, and courage.

JOHN OTU means:

J - Justice for all
O - Opportunity for the youth
H - Hope for the people
N - Nobility in leadership

O - Organization and unity
T - Transparency in service
U - Uncommon commitment to development

The time has come for APC stakeholders to close ranks and speak with one voice. Politics is local, but destiny is collective. A house divided may shout loudly, but it cannot win elections.

Let us not be spectators in our own future. Let us be builders of it.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

Eteng Jonas and the Illusion of a Second Term

A second term is not a birthday gift. It is not awarded for merely occupying space in Abuja or warming a red chair in the Senate chambers. A return ticket is earned through visible representation, impactful legislation, and projects that speak louder than press releases.

Those who deserve another mandate are those who respected the social contract with the people. Representation is not theory; it is action. It is roads, schools, empowerment, advocacy, visibility, and courage.

Eteng’s agitation for a second term has gradually moved from political ambition to political comedy. A second term for doing what exactly? Nigerians no longer reward silence, absence, and administrative invisibility.

In the very same Senate, there is from Kogi, whose presence reverberates across the country. There is from Northern Cross River, whose avalanche of constituency projects and grassroots connection have made calls for his fourth term organic and effortless. Then there is , whose strategic visibility and people-oriented representation continue to strengthen his political acceptance in the South.

These men and women are not struggling to explain why they deserve another term; their work is campaigning for them already.

Politics has changed. The people now ask questions. What did you facilitate? Who did you defend? Which community remembers your impact? What legacy follows your name?

A second term is for effectiveness, not entitlement. And when performance is missing, the illusion of automatic re-election quickly collides with reality.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

Boki II at the Crossroads: Why John Otu Feels Inevitable

In Boki II, we know the difference between noise and work. We’ve sat through the speeches, applauded the grammar, and watched “statesmen” turn grandstanding into a full-time profession. Results? Still on the way.

Now the All Progressives Congress primaries are by the corner - and something feels different.

John Otu isn’t arriving with rehearsed outrage or recycled slogans. He’s bringing commitment, the kind that stays after the cameras leave. He’s bringing forthrightness, the kind that answers questions instead of decorating them.

Around here, we don’t need another performer. We need a worker.

While others are still auditioning for applause, Otu is quietly building consensus. While they speak in paragraphs, he deals in clarity. And in a constituency that has heard it all, that difference is loud.

Let’s be honest: Boki II doesn’t lack potential, it has lacked direction. What we’re anticipating now isn’t just another candidacy; it’s the emergence of someone who understands the assignment.

If greatness is truly on the ballot this season, then the choice is no longer complicated.

Boki II knows.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

John Otu Picks APC Form, Boki II Watches with Knowing Smiles

As a constituency, we’ve seen campaigns come and go - but this one feels… familiar. John Otu, Boki II hopeful, has officially picked up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC secretariat in Calabar.

No loud drama. No unnecessary suspense. Just a quiet step that somehow echoed across wards and WhatsApp groups alike.

Around here, many are already calling him the “sure bet” - not out of noise, but out of that calm confidence that says, we know what we’re looking at.

Of course, democracy will take its full course. Posters will rise, voices will speak, and the ballot will do its job. But as things stand, it almost feels like Boki II isn’t just preparing for a contest…

…it’s preparing to confirm what it already suspects.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

They say leadership is about vision, but in Boki II, we are tired of visions that require binoculars to see. What we need now is someone who can do, not just declare. Enter John Otu, a man described by admirers as actionable, focused, and ready to lead… which, in our political climate, already qualifies as a minor miracle.

While others are still drafting “strategic blueprints” and attending meetings to plan more meetings, John seems to understand that roads are not built with grammar, and communities are not developed by press statements. Refreshing, isn’t it?

Of course, we have heard promises before - enough to build a flyover made entirely of campaign speeches. But there is something comforting about a candidate whose biggest selling point is simply: “he might actually do something.”

And so, with cautious optimism (and a backup plan of continued endurance), the good people of Boki II are looking in his direction. By God’s mercies, and perhaps a little pressure from constituents who now ask questions - John Otu may indeed become our next MP.

At the very least, we can know he understands that leadership is not a title to wear, but work to be done. In Boki II, that alone would be revolutionary.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage