By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the Cross River State government, through the Ministry of Power and the State Electrification Agency, along with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHEDC, to extend rural electrification to Akumba, Nkim, and Abankang communities in state constituency 2, in Ikom Local Government Area to enhance their socio-economic activities and foster a sense of inclusion.
The motion was moved during the plenary session that took place at the House of Assembly Chambers on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Sponsored by the Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, the member representing Abi state constituency, the communities of Akumba, Nkim, and Abankang in Ikom Local Government Area are primarily composed of farmers and small traders and are densely populated, yet they lack electricity.
He stated that electricity is a fundamental necessity for human development and survival.
Rt. Hon. Etta emphasized that the lack of power has adversely affected the farmers and traders, leading to financial losses in their daily operations, thus hindering the socio-economic progress of these communities.
He highlighted the critical role of electricity in healthcare facilities, noting that the absence of power has resulted in insufficient medical services for residents of the communities.
The lawmaker stressed the necessity for the government to provide electricity to these communities, describing their residents as loyal Cross Riverians dedicated to supporting the government, as evidenced by their massive votes in the recent general election.
He said, “The current situation could dissuade them from engaging in political and economic activities.”
The motion received backing from co-sponsors, including Hon. Neji Abang from Ikom 1, Deputy Speaker Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Hon. Hillary Bisong, Hon. Omang C. Omang, Hon. Thomas Aruku, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, and other lawmakers present, who collectively called on the state government to electrify these communities.
They argued that these areas should benefit from the governor’s rural electrification initiative through the State Electrification Agency, considering their rural status.
The lawmakers pointed out that nearby communities like Nkim have access to electricity and that the State Electrification Agency could readily connect power supply from Nkum to the affected areas, which are part of the cocoa-producing regions that also contribute to revenue generation.
They noted that providing electricity to rural communities would promote rural and infrastructure development while addressing security concerns.
The legislators expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for his efforts in rural electrification in Bekwara and urged the state government, through the Ministry of Power and the State Electrification Agency, along with the PHEDC, to resolve the electrification issues faced by the Ikom communities.
They also emphasized the importance of electricity in rural areas to mitigate rural-urban migration.
They enthused, “With these amenities in place, migration will decrease, and the economic conditions of rural communities will improve.”
In a remark, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended Rt. Hon. Etta for drawing attention to the plight of the affected communities, describing the motion as a necessary step toward bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, urging the relevant agencies to act swiftly in addressing the electricity needs of Akumba, Nkim, and Abankang.
He further assured that the House would continue to advocate for policies that enhance the quality of life for all Cross Riverians.
