The Member Representing Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Akpanke, has broken his prolonged silence over what he described as sustained attacks, sponsored publications and allegations aimed at discrediting his representation of the constituency.
In a strongly worded statement, Akpanke said his decision to remain silent over the past three years should not be interpreted as weakness or an inability to respond.
He recalled that upon his election to the House of Representatives, he accepted the mandate as an opportunity to serve the people of OBO Federal Constituency and contribute to their development, adding that this commitment had remained his guiding principle.
According to him, he had deliberately avoided engaging individuals who criticised or attacked him, maintaining that personal opinions should not be mistaken for the collective position of his constituents.
Akpanke alleged that some of the attacks against him had been sponsored, particularly following his decision to join the ruling party, with social media publications allegedly targeting his reputation.
He also responded to recent comments attributed to the PDP candidate for the House of Representatives seat in the constituency, who, according to Akpanke, questioned his achievements after three years in office and made references to his private life.
Describing the individual as an elder brother whom he respects, Akpanke said he sympathised with what he termed his “unconsciousness”, while insisting that his achievements remain available for public assessment.
The lawmaker further addressed a video currently circulating on social media concerning an alleged transaction involving one of his former staff members.
He stated that the matter had previously been brought to his attention, intervened in and resolved, and questioned the decision to revive it on social media.
Akpanke also referenced an earlier video which, he said, contained “false and incoherent claims” concerning another transaction and an alleged assault purportedly linked to him.
The lawmaker maintained that none of his transactions with the individuals involved was conducted on social media and challenged anyone who genuinely believes they were defrauded by him to approach the appropriate government agencies.
“As a law-abiding citizen, if there is anybody who feels defrauded by me, such a person is hereby requested to approach the relevant agencies of government, and I shall make myself available for investigation.”
While acknowledging that some people had already reacted to the trending allegations, Akpanke appealed to his supporters to remain calm and respond to criticism with civility.
He thanked his supporters for maintaining confidence in his leadership despite what he described as distractions, urging them to remain focused on the collective vision for the constituency.
The lawmaker also assured constituents that he remained committed to delivering on his mandate, despite what he described as attempts to change the narrative around his representation and undermine his re-election prospects.
He stressed that public office holders operate under public scrutiny, but added that choosing restraint and maintaining “table manners” should not be interpreted as weakness.
Akpanke concluded by reaffirming his willingness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation into allegations made against him.
“Nobody is God and nobody can become God,”
he said, while urging his supporters and constituents to remain focused and avoid unnecessary provocation.
To God be the glory.
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