In a society where political rivalry often overshadows truth and genuine development efforts, it has become necessary to separate facts from deliberate misinformation. The recent empowerment programme facilitated by Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. in Calabar has unfortunately become a victim of such politically motivated distortion.
Yesterday’s event, which saw the distribution of hundreds of mini buses, tricycles, and other empowerment items to beneficiaries across the Cross River South Senatorial District, was widely applauded by many citizens as a bold intervention aimed at alleviating economic hardship and creating opportunities for self-reliance. However, rather than celebrate an initiative capable of improving livelihoods, some political antagonists chose the familiar route of propaganda, falsely alleging that the programme was originally intended for the entire state and was allegedly hijacked by the senator.
That narrative is not only misleading; it has been officially debunked by the Niger Delta Development Commission itself.
In the press statement issued by the NDDC Cross River State Office, the Commission categorically described the circulating claims as “misleading and inaccurate.” The statement clearly explained that the empowerment programme was undertaken “pursuant to budgetary provisions facilitated by the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District.” That singular clarification destroys the entire propaganda being peddled by critics and merchants of falsities.
The implication is simple and straightforward: the programme was facilitated through the legislative influence and budgetary efforts of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. for his constituency. It was never presented by the Commission as a statewide allocation exclusively designated for all Cross Riverians. The NDDC further clarified that the figures being circulated by mischief makers were speculative and should be disregarded.
More importantly, the Commission also noted that the programme was being implemented in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies and was not an exclusive initiative of the NDDC alone. This further reinforces the fact that due processes and institutional collaborations were followed.
It is unfortunate that in today’s political climate, even well-intentioned empowerment initiatives are subjected to unnecessary attacks simply because they are associated with a perceived political opponent. Those pushing the false narrative have deliberately ignored the official position of the Commission because their objective is not truth, fairness, or accountability; their objective is political damage.
One fundamental question critics have failed to answer is this: if Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. facilitated a constituency-based empowerment programme through legitimate budgetary channels for Cross River South, how exactly does that amount to hijacking a statewide intervention?
Every elected lawmaker is expected to attract development projects and empowerment opportunities to their constituency. When they fail, they are criticized for being ineffective. When they succeed, they are accused of favoritism. This contradiction exposes the insincerity behind the outrage.
The truth remains that empowerment programmes are not achieved by social media noise or emotional blackmail. They are outcomes of legislative engagement, negotiation, influence, and strategic representation. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the NDDC, leveraged his position to facilitate opportunities for his constituents, just as representatives from other districts are expected to do for theirs.
Rather than spread divisive propaganda, political actors should focus on how to attract similar interventions to their own constituencies. Development should inspire healthy competition, not bitterness.
The official NDDC statement has settled the matter. The allegations are false. The empowerment programme was legitimate. The beneficiaries were appropriately targeted. And the attempt to politicize the initiative has failed in the face of verifiable facts.
In the end, propaganda may trend for a moment, but truth always endures.
Comr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko
Public Affairs Analyst, he writes from Calabar Municipality
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Ogar Emmanuel, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with