— Lawmaker dismisses claims as “opposition attack”

Constituents of Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency have demanded accountability from their representative, Hon. Victor Abang, over federal employment promises made over three years ago which they say remain largely unfulfilled.

The constituents, speaking under the aegis of Concerned Youths and community stakeholders from Ikom and Boki Local Government Areas, said pledges to facilitate federal jobs for qualified indigenes have not materialized despite repeated assurances.

According to one of the group leaders, Mr. Charles Bissong, the promise was made ahead of the 2023 general elections as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment in the constituency.

Three years on, the group lamented that many graduates and skilled youths in Ikom and Boki are still jobless and roaming the streets.

“We were told our sons and daughters would be considered for federal opportunities. We compiled names, submitted CVs, but till today nothing has come out of it,” a youth leader from Boki said.

Another stakeholder from Ikom LGA, Mr. Sylvester Ndifon, said the people were not demanding patronage but transparency.

“We are not asking for favoritism. We just want to know what has been done so far and what to expect going forward,” he said.

The group called on Hon. Abang to give a clear account of:
employment slots attracted to the constituency since assuming office, names of beneficiaries and concrete steps being taken to fulfill the outstanding pledges

They stressed that their demand was not political, but was borne out of the need for effective representation, inclusion, and economic survival amid rising unemployment.

Reacting in a telephone conversation, Hon. Victor Abang dismissed the allegations, describing them as an attack by the opposition.

“Tell the people what you have for them rather than criticizing me who has done so much for our people,” he said.

The lawmaker did not, however, provide details of jobs secured or beneficiaries when pressed.