Ex-Cross River PDP Rep Aspirant Distances Self From Communal Clash

A former House of Representatives aspirant for Ikom/Boki federal constituency, Pius Abang, has dismissed allegations of sponsoring violent attacks between the residents of Boje and Isobendeghe in Boki local government area of Cross River State.

Abang made the denial in a telephone conversation with LEADERSHIP in Ikom on Saturday.

Abang, who had previously aspired for the House of Representatives seat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before subsequently  decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said it would be illogical for him to sponsor a crisis in Isobendeghe community where he has significant farming interests.

He emphasised that he has several hectares of cocoa plantation in Isobendeghe, stressing that he  would not jeopardise his investments by fueling violence in the area.

Abang revealed that he had been unable to access his farm since May 15, 2025, when four men purportedly from a neighbouring community of Boje, stormed his cocoa plantation and threatened his life.

He stressed that farming was his primary source of livelihood, adding  that he would not risk losing his investments, after losing his timber business that crumbled due to unfavourable government policies.

Abang attributed the allegations to political opponents who may be seeking to discredit him ahead of the 2027 elections.

He claimed that they have hired individuals to spread false information on social media platforms to damage his reputation

“As a law-abiding citizen, I have reached out to the Commissioner of Police, requesting his intervention in the matter.”

He further denied any involvement with one Jerry, whom the author of an article by a Calabar-based blog  alleged to be his personal assistant.

“Jerry isn’t appointed as my Personal Assistant because I’m not holding any appointments nor Jerry’s name in  my payroll,” Abang stated. “Those who seek justice can’t go around slandering my name, they should  seek redress through a legitimate mean by going to court rather than  resorting to threaten my life.”

He said it’s baffling when his name is  linked with the crises between Boje and Isobendeghe communities, adding that the crises had been there even before his birth.

“I  am not even as powerful as my detractors alleged. It baffles me when someone says I orchestrated the crises. I am not even a community leader.

“The  community leaders should  be be held responsible for the crisis and not an ordinary man like me,” he maintained.