By Frank Ulom
OBUDU (CONVERSEER) – Traditional rulers in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State have told Hon. Peter Akpanke, member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency that they are looking forward to seeing him become a Senator representing the Northern Senatorial District of the state.
The traditional rulers, all of whom belong to the Kubong-Bette Clan, made this statement on Monday, 2 February 2026, during the commissioning of a three-classroom block and office, facilitated by Hon. Akpanke at Community Secondary School, Kubong-Bette, Obudu LGA.
The Chiefs in a statement jointly signed by Mr Thomas Ikwen Akwagiobe, Clan Chairman; Mr Sylvester Aniah, Clan Vice-Chairman; and Mr Innocent Udama, Clan Secretary, for and on behalf of the entire Clan of Kubong-Bette, and read by one of them, declared total support for the lawmaker, saying his works speak for him.
The monarchs lauded the Federal House of Representatives member for finding their clan worthy to execute such a sensitive project, noting that it has added another feather to his cap of hardwork and achievements while in the Federal House.
“Today is a milestone and remarkable event that showcases the cutting of the tape and commissioning of the school project graciously and generously donated to us by our able son, Hon. (Chief) Peter Akpanke.
“Our appreciation to you will not just end in thank you but also to send a loud and clear message of fraternal, filial and unalloyed solid support to you in all ramifications.
“It is on this note too that we give vent to the fact that you are a very hardworking political Guru of our time, both nationally and internationally, an erudite Scholar and Politician who has donated so much in terms of infrastructural development and other strata of human development while in the House of Parliament.
“We wish to reassure you of our relentless support to ensure that your future political aspirations to amiable heights are actualised.
“We sincerely assure you and your entourage that we all look forward to seeing and applauding you as the next Senator in due course and the next Governor of Cross River State as the zoning system rotates.
“Our great MP, once again, we say thank you and may the Almighty God continue to bless the work of your hands and uplift you to the highest political height,” the custodians of the land said.
One of the women in the community, Madam Eunice Atishi, said the new edifice has breathed life into the school.
According to her, “The new building has made some parents withdraw their children from other schools,” adding, “We didn’t have many classrooms, but with the new building, many children were delighted and asked to be enrolled.”
Atishi thanked Hon. Akpanke for being an eye of the community, urging him not to be distracted but to remain focused on bringing the good dividends of democracy to his people.
The Boys’ and Girls’ Senior Prefects of the school, Ogar Bright Undie and Beke Josephine, said the classrooms are better than the ones they had before, adding that, “It has reduced the number of students per class,” as they used to have only one arm but now two – A & B.
They prayed for long life and prosperity for the lawmaker and his family.
On his part, Hon. Akpanke reiterated that education is the bedrock of any nation, the reason for this deliberate act. He also stated that his father once held an administrative position in the school.
He promised to do more by awarding 16 students with a scholarship for the term, as well as purchasing their sandals and uniforms.
The commissioning was attended by Traditional Rulers, Henry Oblibli, APC Chapter Chairman; Hon. (Dr) Kenneth Aklah, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Aviation; Chief Protocol Officer to the Chairman of Council; Emmanuel Ikim, SA Security to Obudu LG Council, among others.
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