By Jonathan Ugbal
In what seemed to be against the run of play in Cross River politics, the people of Kakwe village in Beebo community of Boki Local Government Area on Sunday rolled out their drums, masquerades and celebrated federal lawmaker, Hon. Peter Akpanke who is representing another constituency.
Beebo is one of over one dozen communities lying next to communities in Bendi of Obanliku Local Government Area and nestled in between different plateau next to the Sankwala mountain range.
The Beebo community forms part of the Ikom/Boki federal constituency. Yet, they described Akpanke, who represents neighboring Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra as the Governor of their village, and one in whom they are proud of. According to some, he is the highest-ranking political office holder from the community.
“You are welcome. You have always been welcomed and this is always your home, and we are proud of you,” Chief Sunday Bisong, the Clan Head of Beebo told Hon. Akpanke who was in the company of family, friends and allies.
Recall that Mr. Akpanke had doled out millions in support of the Bateriko – Beebo road grading project embarked upon by the community with the member representing Boki II constituency in the 10th House of Assembly, Hon. Bette Obi leading the charge.
Read: BOKI: Ayade, Others Donate Millions To Fund Beebo/Bumaji Communities ‘Self Help’ Road Project
On Sunday, women, youths, children and elders gathered to welcome the first term lawmaker in a grand ceremony with different troupes taking turns to welcome him with colorful displays.
For Akpanke, he only visited to greet his people.
“These are my people, my mother’s people,” Akpanke, told CrossRiverWatch.
“At some point, they even paid my fees, alongside those of my siblings, clothed us and fed us. We used to trek from Ketting (in Bendi of Obanliku Local Government Area) here. I can’t forget them,” the lawmaker said.
Akpanke who danced with the masquerades also joined in singing folklore songs in Beebo sub-dialectal group led by his brother, Anashie Akpanke.
Also, the lawmaker doled out over one million Naira in cash gifts to different groups in the community who expressed hope that he will speak to his colleagues and relevant government parastatals to ensure that their road is fixed.
Find pictures of the visit below..
