by By Elijah Ugani
The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has disclosed his intention to complete the ongoing church building project at the Roman Catholic Mission RCM Parish, Bendi in Obanliku Local Government Area.
Akpanke made this known during a thanksgiving mass held in his honor on Saturday, February 24th 2024 at St John’s Catholic Church Keting, Bendi in Obanliku.
Hon Akpanke came to God in thanksgiving on the recognition and award conferred on him alongside other sons and daughters of Keting by the Keting community.
Speaking during the mass, Hon Peter Akpanke noted that “I built this church before I was elected to represent my people and I made a promise to God that if I win the election, I will build churches in my federal constituency to his honor, because without him, I will not have been alive. His grace saw me through with the support of my constituents.
“Even if I cannot build churches across my federal constituency, let me begin from Obanliku where I come from. Yesterday, I sent a team to do costing for what is required to complete the church at the parish center and I was told it’s about 30m.
“I will complete that church between now and the end of the year. That church must be used this year. And please father, don’t levy any church member in respect of the project”
Responding to reminder by the homilist during the mass, Rev Fr Humphrey Udechukwu, on his earlier promise about the dilapidated Obudu – Ikom road that was awarded for reconstruction but abandoned, Akpanke pledged commitment to the advocacy to ensure that contractors return to site to complete the work.
Speaking on her relationship with Hon Peter Akpanke, the member representing Oyi/Ayamelum federal constituency in the house of representatives, Hon Gwacham Maureen Chinwe, described him as a man with a large heart.
In her words “I and my colleagues who are present in this event were elected under the labour party. My leader Peter Obi called me to go to Edo state, but I had to make my way to Cross River State to attend this event. You people did not make any mistake in electing him to represent you. Just give him some time, you will see what he do. All he needs now is your support. Forget the fact that we all members. Inside members, members the”
Giving his vote of thanks, the Clan Head of Keting community, HRH, Utsu Nick Betiang Ayabie, noted that “It is with a deep sense of love, fraternity and utmost gratitude, that the entire Keting community expresses her profound appreciation to all colleagues, friends and well wishers of our illustrious son, Hon. Chief Peter Akpanke, for honoring our invitation to this glorious event. May God sustain your affinity with our son and our community so that the deep affection we have established shall remain our unshakable portion. May he also grant you safe return to your destinations”
The event also had Hon Peter Udogalanya Aniekwe, member representing Anambra East/West Federal Constituency. Others were: Hon Martins Achadu PhD, representing Yala 2 state constituency, Hon Pius Ashakia and Hon Charles Omang, Members representing Obanliku and Bekwarra in the Cross River State House of Assembly.
