The federal lawmaker representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra federal constituency of Cross River State, Peter Akpanke, has charged his colleagues in the National Assembly not to be self-centred, but initiate programmes and projects that would impact positively on the lives of thier constituents.
He stated that the people’s interest must be first and the fulcrum for which politicians seek political positions and offices.
Akpanke made the remarks while speaking at a special thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Catholic Church to appreciate God on his electoral victory at Obanlikwu on Monday.
The lawmaker, who doubles as deputy chairman of the House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, stated that he sought for the elective position to improve the living standard of his constituents and the state in general.
Akpanke, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, expressed dismay over the poor state of roads across his constituency, stressing that government must be seen to work for the benefit of the people whose mandate they enjoy.
“It’s a terrible thing what our people are made to suffer from the people who they voted into office to represent their interest and to better their lives.
“You all can see the situation of our roads, especially that of Obanliku roads, it is as if we don’t even have a governor, especially the immediate-past who incidentally hails from this senatorial district.
“While I will continue to draw government attention to the needs of my people, I will, however, not relent to carry out necessary action that will lead to the improvement in the livelihood of my people.
“It is in this regard that I appeal to political actors to always see and put forward, the interests of the generality of Nigerians, and jettison personal interest as reason for seeking political offices.
“We owe them a duty to provide good governance and not the other way round,” Akpanke maintained.
Also speaking at the event, the PDP State chairman in Cross River State, Venatius Ikem, urged Akpanke to replicate his philanthropic gesture by working hard to see to the needs of his constituents.
He stated that the primary duty of any lawmaker is to see to the enthronement of laws that will impact positively on the lives of his constituents and Nigerians in general.
“I have no doubt that you (Akpanke) will do all that is necessary to better the lives of the people of Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra federal constituency,” the PDP chairman stated.
