Egodo Declares For Ikom 1 State Constituency, Promises Bold Reforms, Inclusive Representation

Egodo Declares For Ikom 1 State Constituency, Promises Bold Reforms, Inclusive Representation

A legal practitioner and grassroots mobilizer, Hon. Barr. Mrs Philomena Egodo, has officially declared her intention to contest for the Ikom 1 State Constituency seat in the Cross River State House of Assembly, pledging to deliver people-focused representation and bridge the gap between the government and the people.

Egodo made the declaration on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Ikom during her engagement with stakeholders.  

In her address, the aspirant said her decision to run was driven by the need to restore effective representation and ensure that the voices of ordinary citizens are reflected in legislative processes.

“For long now, our people have watched representation become distant from them,” she said. “Laws are made in Calabar, but the voices of our farmers, traders, students, and unemployed graduates are barely heard. I am running to close that gap.”

Egodo emphasized that her background as a barrister equips her with the expertise to influence legislation, while her grassroots engagement gives her a clear understanding of the challenges facing the people of Ikom 1.

Unveiling her legislative agenda, she outlined a series of proposed bills and initiatives aimed at addressing key socio-economic issues in the constituency. These include a Youth Skills and Startup Fund Bill to expand empowerment opportunities, a Rural Farm-to-Market Roads Bill to improve access in communities such as Nkarasi, Abanyum, and Akparabong, and amendments to community health insurance policies to reduce preventable deaths among vulnerable groups.

She also promised to establish a fully functional constituency office within 30 days of assuming office, featuring a legal aid desk, employment support services, and regular town hall meetings to ensure continuous engagement with constituents.

On transparency, Egodo pledged to advocate for open distribution of empowerment opportunities across all 11 wards in Ikom 1 and to introduce a ward liaison system to enhance grassroots participation in governance.

Highlighting her commitment to human capital development, she assured that education and youth empowerment would be central to her agenda, including efforts to rehabilitate primary schools and secure scholarships for students in critical fields such as law, agriculture, technology, and medicine.

Speaking on inclusion, Egodo said she would champion policies that protect and uplift women, widows, single parents, and persons with disabilities, stressing the need for structured support rather than symbolic gestures.

“I do not come with empty promises,” she stated. “I come with a track record of service — from pro-bono legal support to youth mentorship and peace-building initiatives. If given the mandate, Ikom 1 will have a representative who is both active in the chambers and present on the ground.”

Her declaration signals the start of what is expected to be a keenly contested race for the Ikom 1 seat, as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next electoral cycle in Cross River State.