By Solomon OKPO
Discontent is mounting in Abak Federal and State constituencies following street walks recently organized by groups of youths in support of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and the member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Clement Jimbo.
While pictures of the events flooded social media, many residents have described the rallies as “mockery walks,” questioning the rationale behind celebrating lawmakers they say have failed to address pressing challenges in the area.
Critics lamented that despite glaring infrastructural deficits, including deplorable roads, persistent power outages, lack of job opportunities, and absence of meaningful constituency projects, supporters still took to the streets to applaud the lawmakers’ “audio performance” rather than tangible achievements.
“What exactly are we celebrating?” one resident asked. “Communities are crying out for electricity, roads, and jobs, yet some people are parading themselves for failed leaders. It is insulting.”
Comparisons were drawn to Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, the representative of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, who is widely acknowledged for empowering constituents and executing impactful projects. Many argued that the Abak lawmakers have not matched such efforts, raising questions about their commitment to fulfilling campaign promises.
Observers also criticized the political culture of organizing superficial roadshows for social media optics while ignoring grassroots realities.
“We need marches for employment, electricity, and development, not fanfare for politicians who have done little to improve lives,” another resident stated.
With frustrations deepening, voices are growing louder that the electorate may reject both Otong and Jimbo in future elections. “There’s no third term in Abak for politicians who underperform,” a community leader warned.
Residents say it is time for leaders to prioritize service delivery over photo opportunities, insisting that politics must return to addressing real issues rather than staging shows for political survival.
© The Evangelist News
