Top 10 News and Cultural Blogs in Cross River State, Nigeria – [2026]

By David Archibong 

The digital media landscape in Cross River State continues to evolve, with online news platforms playing increasingly important roles in information dissemination, cultural preservation, community development, political accountability and the promotion of local businesses.

From breaking political developments in Calabar to grassroots reports from Boki, Ikom, Ogoja, Obudu and other communities, digital publishers have continued to provide platforms for public discourse and stories that might otherwise receive limited mainstream attention.

As online journalism gains greater relevance in Nigeria and across Africa, this editorial ranking highlights 10 notable news and cultural media platforms associated with Cross River State in 2026.

The selection recognises their respective contributions to journalism, community reporting, public engagement, cultural storytelling and the state's digital information ecosystem.

TOP 10 NEWS AND CULTURAL BLOGS IN CROSS RIVER STATE (2026)

1. CrossRiverWatch

Website: www.crossriverwatch.com

CrossRiverWatch occupies the first position on this editorial list. Established in 2012, the Calabar-based digital newsroom has developed a strong identity in investigative journalism, governance reporting, political accountability and public-interest journalism.

Its coverage extends to politics, human rights, public finance, education, health and community affairs.

The platform has established itself as an important voice in Cross River's media environment, particularly through its accountability-focused reporting.

2. Boki Blog Africa

Website: www.bokiblogafrica.com.ng

Founded in 2017, Boki Blog Africa takes the second position, distinguished by its focus on grassroots journalism, rural development, agriculture, entrepreneurship, culture and community-based reporting.

The platform has consistently promoted stories from communities across Cross River State, particularly those that deserve greater visibility beyond the major urban centres.

Its editorial interests extend beyond conventional breaking news to development-oriented journalism, local heritage, agricultural opportunities and the promotion of African stories.

Boki Blog Africa has also received recognition, including the Media Influencer of the Year award at the 2022 Calabar Blog Awards, according to its founder's published profile.

Its emphasis on people-oriented reporting gives it a distinctive identity in the state's digital media environment.

3. Converseer

Website: www.converseer.com

Converseer occupies the third position, with coverage spanning politics, governance, business, education, entertainment, security and general news.

The platform has maintained an active online publishing presence, reporting developments within Cross River State and beyond.

Its coverage of political activities, government programmes and public affairs contributes to the state's growing digital journalism space.

4. Calabar Gist

Website: www.calabargist.com

Calabar Gist takes the fourth position, representing the entertainment, lifestyle, trending news and social-information segment of the digital media landscape.

Platforms in this category help connect audiences with happenings around Calabar and other communities while contributing to online conversations about personalities, events and popular culture.

5. Calitown

Website: www.calitown.com

Calitown occupies the fifth position, with its focus on Cross River news, politics, public affairs and community developments.

Its reporting contributes to the documentation of political activities, public opinions and significant developments across the state.

6. The Beagle Online

Website: www.thebeaglenewsonline.com

The Beagle Online takes the sixth position.

The platform describes itself as a community news agency in the South-South region and publishes reports on politics, education, security, governance and national developments.

Its coverage of Cross River affairs and wider Nigerian news gives it a place in the state's digital media conversation.

7. Cross River Blog

Website: www.crossriverblog.com

Cross River Blog occupies the seventh position, providing coverage of government activities, political developments, community affairs and public-sector initiatives.

Its reporting includes developments involving public officials, local government administrations and other stakeholders.

8. NegroidHaven

Website: www.negroidhaven.org

NegroidHaven takes the eighth position, with coverage of politics, society, governance, culture and contemporary developments.

The platform has also reported on community issues and developments across Cross River, contributing to public conversations about the state's political and social environment.

9. Cross River Times

Website: www.crossrivertimes.com.ng

Cross River Times occupies the ninth position in this editorial selection.

The platform is included among the digital media names associated with Cross River's online publishing environment.

Its inclusion reflects the diversity of platforms participating in the state's digital information ecosystem.

10. Calabar Blog Media

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL JOURNALISM IN CROSS RIVER

The emergence and expansion of online news platforms have changed how residents receive information, engage with public institutions and participate in conversations about development.

Digital publishers now provide opportunities for communities to share their experiences, raise concerns, promote cultural heritage and attract attention to issues affecting their livelihoods.

For a state with diverse communities, languages, cultural traditions and development priorities, grassroots journalism remains particularly important.

Beyond breaking news, Cross River's digital media organisations have opportunities to document traditional festivals, promote tourism, highlight agricultural opportunities, preserve indigenous histories and showcase local entrepreneurs.

A CALL FOR STRONGER MEDIA COLLABORATION

As Cross River's digital media environment continues to expand, stronger collaboration among publishers, journalists, development organisations, government institutions and private-sector stakeholders will be essential.

Investment in professional journalism, fact-checking, digital skills, investigative reporting and sustainable media business models will help improve the quality and credibility of online publications.

There is also a growing opportunity for Cross River-based publishers to take local stories to national, continental and international audiences.

CONCLUSION

The 2026 editorial selection reflects the diversity and growing relevance of Cross River State's digital media environment.

While the platforms have different editorial interests and levels of online visibility, their contributions demonstrate the importance of digital publishing in documenting the state's political, economic, social and cultural experiences.

As the media industry continues to evolve, the challenge is not merely to publish more stories but to produce credible journalism that informs citizens, holds institutions accountable, promotes development and preserves the identity of local communities.

Cross River has stories worth telling, and its digital media platforms have an important role in telling them to the world.

"I Did Not Come to Be Served, I Came to Serve" – Ab Amani Jojo Tells Ikom/Boki

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the January 16, 2027 House of Representatives election, Hon. Abang Pius Besong AKA Ab Amani Jojo, has promised to prioritise road construction, education, healthcare, employment and economic empowerment if elected.

Jojo made the promises in a message addressed to the people of Ikom/Boki, where he described his ambition as a mission to restore the dignity of the constituency and improve the living conditions of its residents.

He said his decision to seek the House of Representatives seat was not about political titles or personal recognition but about serving the people and addressing the challenges facing their communities.

According to him, farmers in communities such as Bendeghe Afi face difficulties transporting their agricultural produce to markets because of poor road conditions. He also highlighted educational challenges affecting families in Opu, as well as unemployment among young people in Balep.

The PDP candidate said he would push for improved road infrastructure connecting Ikom, Boje, Okundi, Oku, Nkarasi, Ntamante, Wula and Bendeghe, stressing that farmers should be able to transport their produce to markets without unnecessary difficulties.

On education, Jojo promised to attract federal schools, scholarships and vocational centres to the constituency, adding that children from Ikom/Boki should have opportunities to compete with their counterparts in other parts of the country.

He also pledged to work towards providing functional primary healthcare facilities across the wards, particularly to improve access to medical services for pregnant women, mothers and children.

On employment and economic empowerment, Jojo promised to pursue federal employment opportunities, grants for women, and financial support for young people and farmers involved in cocoa, palm and banana production.

He criticised what he described as the presentation of projects such as NDDC solar streetlights and MTN telecommunications masts as personal political achievements, arguing that the constituency needs more direct and sustainable development.

Jojo further promised to provide what he described as a strong voice for Ikom/Boki in Abuja, saying he would use his position to raise the concerns of the constituency before relevant government institutions.

Calling on residents to support his aspiration, the candidate urged voters to protect their votes during the January 16, 2027 election.

He also warned against attempts to influence voters with money or what he described as misleading political claims about development projects.

"We have seen the light, and we want the road. We have seen the mast, and we want jobs," he said.

Jojo maintained that the election should be about the future of the constituency and the opportunities available to its younger generation.

He described himself as a son, brother and voice of the people, promising not to abandon the constituency if elected.

"Our time has come," he declared.

Source: Boki Blog Africa 

VIDEO: Egede Mobilises 5,000 Supporters for Tinubu, Otu at Calabar Rally

 

Honourable Shedrach Innocent Egede has mobilised over 5,000 supporters for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally held in Calabar, Cross River State, as he steps up grassroots efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Egede, the National Director of Strategic Deployment and Implementation of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTFN), reaffirmed his support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu and other APC candidates.

The turnout at the rally is being presented by his team as part of efforts to strengthen the party's grassroots presence across Cross River State.

Egede said he and RTFN coordinators across the state would intensify mobilisation and political engagement across all 196 political wards to expand the organisation's support base and take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to communities.

The mobilisation drive is part of RTFN's wider objective of galvanising over 10 million votes for President Tinubu in the January 16 presidential election, according to the organisation.

Egede is expected to work with coordinators and grassroots supporters to build political structures across communities, with the aim of translating rally attendance and public engagement into electoral support for Tinubu, Otu and other APC candidates in 2027.

Boki Is Not For Sale: Critics Accuse Chairman Of Poor Performance, Demand Financial Accountability

 

Critics of the Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Beatrice Etta Nyiam, have rejected a recent rejoinder issued by Ambrose Omah in defence of her administration, questioning its performance, management of public funds and commitment to grassroots development.

In a fresh response titled Rejoinder To The Rejoinder, the critics argued that the achievements presented by the Chairman's supporters do not reflect the level of development expected from a local government reportedly receiving hundreds of millions of naira monthly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

They described the APC's continued response to public criticism through rejoinders as an attempt to divert attention from demands for accountability, insisting that the people deserve verifiable records of projects and financial expenditure rather than political arguments.

The rejoinder listed several achievements credited to the present administration, including solar-powered boreholes in five villages, repairs of ten hand pumps, construction of a civic centre in Abo, a town hall in Agba, a classroom block in Okwa, four culverts and one box culvert, distribution of 300 bags of cement, a football tournament and the launch of a website.

However, the critics questioned whether these projects were sufficient to justify two years in office, considering the financial resources reportedly available to the local government.

According to their calculations, Boki LGA receives over ₦400 million monthly from FAAC, excluding its share of the state's internally generated revenue and the council's own internally generated revenue from timber, cocoa, markets and other economic activities.

They calculated that ₦400 million monthly over 24 months amounts to ₦9.6 billion, while adding an estimated internally generated revenue of over ₦1 billion would bring the total to approximately ₦10.6 billion.

They further estimated that the combined cost of the projects listed in the Chairman's rejoinder might not even reach ₦120 million, an amount they described as significantly lower than one month's allocation.

The critics consequently questioned how the balance of the approximately ₦10.6 billion reportedly received during the period was expended, demanding that the Chairman publish the monthly FAAC allocations, internally generated revenue records, audited financial statements and detailed expenditure records from the beginning of her administration.

They also renewed an earlier allegation that the Chairman signs over Boki's allocations to Government House in exchange for political support towards securing a second-term ticket. They maintained that the allegation deserves clarification through transparent financial records.

On the legal responsibilities of the Chairman, the critics cited Section 7 and the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, which provide for democratically elected local government councils and outline their responsibilities, including the construction and maintenance of local roads, provision of public facilities and participation in essential services and community development.

They argued that these constitutional responsibilities must translate into measurable development across Boki's eleven wards, particularly given the reported volume of public funds available to the council.

They also referenced the Supreme Court judgment in Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & Others (2024), which affirmed the constitutional principle of financial autonomy for local governments and addressed the direct allocation of funds to democratically elected local government councils.

According to them, allegations that local government funds are being diverted or surrendered for political considerations should not be ignored. They maintained that where evidence establishes improper diversion or misappropriation of public funds, the relevant authorities should investigate and take appropriate action under the law.

The critics further invoked the principles of fiscal responsibility, transparency and the Freedom of Information Act, insisting that residents have the right to demand explanations concerning public revenue and expenditure in accordance with applicable laws.

They also questioned the effectiveness of the Vice Chairman and the Legislative Council under the present administration, expressing concerns about the visibility of the Vice Chairman and the perceived lack of independence among councillors.

They alleged that councillors had been reduced to mere rubber stamps, unable to meaningfully question or scrutinise decisions of the administration, a situation they said raises concerns about democratic accountability at the grassroots level.

On the Chairman's claimed intervention in the conflict between Boje and Iso-Bendeghe, the critics demanded specific evidence of the peacebuilding process.

They asked the administration to identify the peace meeting convened by the Chairman, its date, venue, participants and the concrete resolutions reached.

According to the rejoinder, the Chairman's intervention was limited to a visit to one side of the conflict, accompanied by what the critics described as an emotional display before the cameras, while victims on the other side continued to suffer.

They argued that a more comprehensive approach would have involved bringing both communities together at Okundi, a neutral location, establishing a peace committee comprising traditional rulers and other credible stakeholders, and maintaining sustained engagement until meaningful progress was achieved.

The critics recalled that violent conflict occurred between the communities in June 2025 and again in August 2026, adding that concerns remain over destroyed properties, damaged economic trees, inadequate compensation and the absence of a comprehensive reconciliation process.

They maintained that peacebuilding requires more than visits, photographs and public statements, stressing the need for impartiality, sustained dialogue, accountability and practical solutions that address the grievances of both communities.

They further expressed concern that residents of the neighbouring communities, whose people share historical, cultural and family relationships, are still unable to visit one another freely.

Describing the situation as fragile, they warned that the absence of sincere reconciliation could create room for renewed tension. They also alleged that political considerations and administrative inexperience may have contributed to the situation in which human lives and longstanding relationships have been placed at risk.

The critics thanked God that further escalation had been avoided but insisted that the Chairman must take decisive steps to secure lasting peace between the communities.

While acknowledging that the repairs of hand pumps, distribution of 300 bags of cement and construction of culverts were useful interventions, they argued that such projects remain modest when compared with the broader responsibilities and financial capacity expected of a local government administration.

They therefore questioned where the dividends of democracy could be seen across Boki's eleven wards and challenged the Chairman to identify substantial, verifiable and transformative projects delivered across the communities.

On the issue of political zoning, the critics disagreed with attempts to separate performance from equitable representation, maintaining that the present administration has failed to satisfy expectations on both fronts.

They argued that historical records indicate that since 1999, Boje Ward has produced a local government chairman twice, while wards such as Abo, Alanku, Ekpashi, Kakwagom/Bawop and Ogep have yet to produce a chairman.

They called for these historical claims to be examined against official records of previous administrations.

According to them, the demand for zoning is not an act of hostility against Boje Ward but a legitimate call for fairness, inclusion and an opportunity for other wards to participate in leadership.

They warned that retaining the chairmanship in Boje once again could deepen the perception of political exclusion among residents of other wards, who may begin to question whether they will ever have a fair opportunity to occupy the position.

The critics maintained that political leadership should not be treated as the exclusive preserve of any particular ward.

They further questioned the basis for considering the Chairman for a second term when concerns about equitable representation, infrastructure, revenue accountability and administrative performance remain unresolved.

They insisted that Madam Chairman was elected to serve the people and deliver measurable development, not to engage in endless exchanges of political rejoinders.

The critics consequently challenged the administration to publish three major categories of financial records: the monthly FAAC allocations received by Boki LGA over the last 24 months, a comprehensive statement of internally generated revenue during the same period, and audited financial statements alongside detailed expenditure records showing how public funds were utilised.

They argued that transparency remains the strongest response to public criticism and that making these records available would give residents an opportunity to independently assess the administration's stewardship.

The rejoinder also made reference to previous political administrations in Boki, urging Ambrose Omah to consult Hon. Mrs. Bessie Bakong Obi, who served as Chairman of Boki LGA before the late Hon. Jonas Obi Otu, popularly known as Antis, and examine the historical records of previous administrations.

The critics disclosed that they were gathering relevant records concerning revenue management and the alleged roles of Kelvin Njong, Hon. Victor Abang and Hon. Philip Bette Obi in controlling revenue and building groups of political thugs allegedly intended to facilitate electoral manipulation in favour of the APC.

These allegations were presented as matters requiring further examination and verification.

They also warned that anyone found to have misappropriated public funds must be held accountable under the law, including through investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where its jurisdiction applies.

According to them, the end of a political tenure should not automatically bring an end to accountability, insisting that public officeholders must be prepared to answer questions concerning their stewardship even after leaving office.

The critics further accused the present administration of failing to address the worsening infrastructural challenges confronting Boki communities, particularly the deplorable condition of roads and inadequate healthcare facilities.

They observed that several roads across Boki have deteriorated to alarming levels, making transportation difficult, affecting movement between communities and hindering economic activities.

They said the situation had become so distressing that many residents regard Boki's roads as among the worst in the country.

They also questioned what they described as the Chairman's failure to engage effectively with elected representatives at higher levels of government to attract interventions and address the challenges confronting the local government.

According to them, a responsible administration should use every available constitutional and institutional channel to advocate for its people, attract development and ensure that the needs of its communities receive the attention they deserve.

They maintained that the Chairman should be more concerned about improving living conditions across the eleven wards than engaging in endless political exchanges with those demanding accountability.

The critics concluded that Boki needs functional healthcare facilities, accessible roads, improved public infrastructure, effective peacebuilding, equitable political representation and responsible management of public resources.

They insisted that no amount of propaganda, political intimidation or endless rejoinders could permanently silence legitimate demands for transparency, accountability, peace and development.

They ended with a strong message to the Chairman and her supporters, maintaining that Boki's resources belong to its people and must be managed in their collective interest.

BOKI IS NOT FOR SALE. BOKI DESERVES ACCOUNTABILITY. BOKI DESERVES DEVELOPMENT.

Boki LGA Chairman Has Failed, Does Not Deserve a Second Term

 

The present Chairman of Boki Local Government Area has failed to meet the expectations of the people and does not deserve a second term in office. Since 1999, Boki has had different people occupy the chairmanship position, yet the present administration has raised serious questions about leadership, zoning, roads, revenue management and peace in the local government.

At a time when Boki needs a leader who can unite the people and create opportunities for the younger generation, the chairman's leadership has become a source of concern. Rather than building bridges across the various communities, Boki needs leadership that promotes unity and gives every ward a fair chance to participate in governance.

The issue of zoning remains one of the biggest concerns. Since 1999, Boje Ward has produced a chairman twice, while Abo, Alanku, Ekpashi, Kakwagom/Bawop and Ogep wards have never produced a chairman.

This situation raises an important question: why should some wards continue to remain outside the chairmanship arrangement for so many years? The people of these wards also deserve the opportunity to produce a chairman and contribute to the development of Boki.

Allowing the chairmanship to remain in Boje Ward again would further deepen concerns about fairness and equal opportunities. A child who is ten years old today could grow into adulthood without seeing a chairman emerge from some of these wards if the situation continues.

Boki Local Government Area has resources, but the people deserve to see those resources translated into meaningful development. Revenue management must be transparent, and the people must be able to see the benefits of the money available to the local government.

The allegation that billions of naira from Boki's allocation are being signed back to the governor to secure a second-term ticket is a serious matter that requires clear answers and supporting evidence. Public funds should serve the interests of the people, not become a bargaining tool for political ambition.

The condition of roads across Boki is another major concern. From Okundi to other parts of the local government, the state of the roads has made movement difficult for residents. Road development should be a priority because good roads support farming, business, transportation and the general welfare of the people.

Peace and security also remain critical issues. The conflicts involving Boje, Iso-Bendeghe and Nsadop, including the incidents of June 2025 and August 2026, demand serious attention, dialogue and effective leadership. The people need a chairman who can bring communities together and work towards lasting peace.

Boki cannot afford leadership that deepens divisions when the people need unity. The chairman's responsibility is to serve every ward and community fairly, regardless of political differences or personal interests.

The chairmanship of Boki LGA is not anybody's inheritance. It is a public position meant to serve the people. No individual should treat it as personal property or assume that occupying the office automatically gives them the right to another term.

The youths of Abo, Alanku, Ekpashi, Kakwagom/Bawop and Ogep deserve a fair opportunity. Their communities should not continue to wait indefinitely while the same ward keeps producing the chairman.

Boki needs a leader who understands the importance of zoning, can manage public resources responsibly, improve roads, promote peace and unite the people. Leadership should be measured by service, fairness and development, not by the desire to remain in office.

The people of Boki deserve better. A second term should not be treated as an entitlement. It should depend on performance, fairness and the ability to serve the entire local government.

Boki needs a youth, a unifier and a leader who will put the interests of the people first, not a leader who burns bridges and leaves communities divided.

Tinubu's 600,000-Vote Target: Egede, Bala Ahmed Engage 11 Aggrieved Cross River Lawmakers

Eleven aggrieved members of the Cross River State House of Assembly have visited the national office of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, where they paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Innocent Egede, the National Director of Strategic Deployment and Implementation.

The delegation, led by the Majority Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but expressed reservations about extending the same level of political support to other APC candidates in the state, including Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

The lawmakers’ position is reportedly linked to their exclusion from the APC’s ticket arrangements for the forthcoming elections, with some seeking a third term and others a second term. Their grievances stem from the belief that they should also have the opportunity to seek re-election, particularly as the Governor is pursuing a second term.

During the meeting, Hon. Innocent Egede, a strong advocate of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu, appealed to the lawmakers to reconsider their position and work collectively for all APC candidates in Cross River State.

He emphasised the importance of party unity, strategic coordination and electoral synergy, warning that a divided political front could undermine the party’s overall performance at the polls and potentially affect the President’s electoral fortunes in the state.

Hon. Egede reiterated that the movement’s target is to secure 600,000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Cross River State, stressing the need for a united political structure capable of mobilising support across all constituencies.

Following the engagement, Hon. Egede led the lawmakers to meet with Hon. Bala Ahmed, the Director-General of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria. The Director-General also appealed to the aggrieved legislators to reconsider their stance and remain aligned with the broader electoral objectives of the APC.

As part of efforts to address their grievances and strengthen grassroots mobilisation, Hon. Bala Ahmed pledged to integrate the lawmakers into the operational structure of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria National Structure, subject to the directive of Barr. Seyi Tinubu, the movement’s chief founder.

The engagement represents an effort to bridge internal political divisions, reconcile aggrieved party stakeholders and consolidate support for President Tinubu and the APC ahead of the forthcoming elections.

OTHER LAWMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE

The other members of the delegation were:

1. Rt. Hon. Dr. Davies Etta — Deputy Leader, Abi State Constituency.

2. Hon. Egbe Abeng Egbe — Obubra II State Constituency.

3. Hon. Ovat Dickson Agbor — Obubra I State Constituency.

4. Hon. Ashakia Puis Ashaks — Obanliku State Constituency.

5. Hon. Victor Nsa — Calabar South II State Constituency.

6. Hon. Bassey Effiong Bassey — Akpabuyo State Constituency.

7. Hon. Eyo Bassey — Bakassi State Constituency.

8. Hon. Okon Nyong Ewona — Akamkpa I State Constituency.

9. Hon. Mercy Akpama — Yakurr II State Constituency.

10. Hon. Kingsley Ntui — Etung State Constituency.

The meeting underscored the importance of political reconciliation, stakeholder engagement and coordinated grassroots mobilisation in advancing the re-election agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and strengthening the APC’s electoral prospects in Cross River State.

Fix Boki Road Now: PDP Candidate Abang Pius Besong Appeals to Tinubu, Otu for Urgent Intervention

Hon. Abang Pius Besong, popularly known as AB Amani Jojo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu and other top government officials to urgently intervene in the worsening road conditions affecting communities in Boki Local Government Area.

Besong made the appeal in an open statement titled “An Open Appeal to Save Boki Nation: Our Road, Our Life, Our Survival,” calling on state and federal authorities to take immediate steps to address the road challenges confronting residents.

He said the poor condition of the road connecting communities in Boki with Ikom and other parts of Cross River State had made movement difficult for motorists, farmers, traders and other road users.

According to him, Boki is blessed with agricultural and natural resources, including cocoa and timber, which contribute to the economy of Cross River State and Nigeria. However, he lamented that poor road infrastructure continues to make it difficult for residents to transport their produce to markets and carry out their daily activities.

Besong drew attention to an approximately 140-kilometre road corridor referenced in his appeal, saying the condition of sections of the route had increased transportation difficulties for residents and businesses.

Footage accompanying the appeal showed vehicles navigating a severely muddy road, with deep ruts and waterlogged sections making movement challenging. A heavy-duty truck and other vehicles could be seen along the route as road users struggled to pass through the affected area.

The PDP candidate warned that the consequences of poor roads extend beyond transportation, affecting agricultural activities, commerce, education, healthcare and the general wellbeing of rural communities.

He explained that farmers who depend on the road to transport their harvests face additional difficulties, including higher transportation costs and the risk of produce being damaged or wasted before reaching buyers.

Besong called on relevant authorities to recognise the importance of accessible roads to communities whose livelihoods depend largely on agriculture.

In his appeal, he named members of the Cross River State and National Assemblies, the state Commissioner for Works, representatives of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Federal Ministry of Works and other government officials as people who should support efforts to address the problem.

Those mentioned include Hon. Philip Bette Obi, Hon. Victor Abang, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Commissioner for Works Pius Akutah, Orok Duke, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Minister of Works David Umahi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He urged the Cross River State Government, Federal Ministry of Works, NDDC, National Assembly and Federal Government to examine the affected road sections and develop practical measures for their rehabilitation.

As part of the proposed intervention, Besong called for an inspection of the road, proper documentation of the worst sections, an emergency response plan and a long-term rehabilitation programme.

He maintained that rural communities should not be expected to contribute to the state's agricultural economy without the necessary infrastructure to support the movement of people and goods.

“Our people vote. Our people work. Our people produce. Our people contribute to the economy. They also deserve infrastructure,” he said.

Besong stressed that his appeal was beyond political party differences, urging leaders to work together to address a challenge that directly affects the lives and livelihoods of Boki residents.

“Boki deserves a road that works. Boki deserves dignity. Boki deserves development. Boki deserves to be connected,” he stated.

He called on the relevant authorities to respond to the concerns of residents and take concrete steps towards providing dependable road access for communities across the area.

The appeal has renewed attention on the importance of rural road infrastructure in connecting farming communities to markets and improving access to essential services. The status of any planned rehabilitation works on the specific sections referenced in the appeal, as well as any official response from the authorities named, was not established in the statement.