By Edet Ikotidem

In strengthening democracy, public discourse plays an important role. Citizens have a right to question leaders, demand accountability, and assess the performance of those entrusted with public office- Kufreabasi Edidem issue

Facts Over Fiction: Why Attack on Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem Falls Flat

However, such conversations must be guided by facts, fairness, and intellectual honesty rather than selective narratives designed to create false impressions.

The recent article by Hon. Comrade Humble Essien titled “The Dangers of Rewarding Poor Performance in Public Office” is a classic example of criticism that ignores facts and overlooks verifiable achievements in an apparent attempt to diminish the record of a public servant whose contributions are visible across both his constituency and the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Why Attack on Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem Falls Flat

The article questions the basis upon which Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Itu State Constituency, is recognized for his service. What the writer conveniently failed to do was present a balanced account of the lawmaker’s performance.

One of the most striking aspects of Hon. Humble Essien’s article is the glaring contradiction between his criticism of others and his own record in public office.

As a former Councilor representing Ward 5 in Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Essien occupied an elected position that provided him with an opportunity to demonstrate the very standards of accountability, transparency, and measurable performance which he now demands from others. Yet, many residents struggle to identify any significant project, development initiative, empowerment programme, or enduring legacy associated with his tenure.

It is therefore surprising that an individual whose own stewardship remains a subject of public debate would assume the role of chief evaluator of another public servant whose legislative and constituency achievements are documented and verifiable.

Public accountability should not be selective. Those who seek to scrutinize others must also be prepared to have their own records subjected to the same standard of public examination.

Rather than engaging in constructive criticism based on facts, Hon. Essien’s article appears to be driven by a determination to diminish the accomplishments of Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem. The publication reads less like an objective assessment and more like an attempt by a political detractor to discredit a lawmaker whose record of service continues to speak for itself.

The difference between the two records is clear. While Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem can point to sponsored bills, impactful motions, renovated schools, educational support programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, employment facilitation, and active legislative oversight, his critic has chosen to focus on rhetoric rather than evidence.

Democracy encourages criticism, but criticism carries greater moral authority when it comes from those whose own performance can withstand public scrutiny. Personal grievances, political frustrations, and selective narratives should never be mistaken for objective analysis.

Ultimately, the people of Itu will judge public officials not by the volume of accusations they make against others but by the impact they made when entrusted with public responsibility.

For seven years, Rt. Hon. Edidem has remained one of the most active and productive members of the State Assembly. His legislative contributions alone provide ample justification for any recognition accorded him.

As a legislator, he has sponsored and co-sponsored landmark bills, including the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Teaching Service Commission, the Infrastructure Safety and Regulatory Agency Bill, amendments to Secondary, Technical and Universal Basic Education laws, the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Information Technology Development Agency (AISITDA), and the Akwa Ibom State Mental Health Bill.

Beyond these, he has contributed significantly to legislation on fiscal responsibility, public procurement reforms, electricity regulation, tourism development, diaspora investment, employment trust initiatives, and cultural heritage preservation. These are not symbolic contributions; they are laws and policies that shape governance and improve the lives of citizens.

His advocacy on the floor of the House has also produced results. Through motions and policy interventions, he has championed causes ranging from environmental protection and erosion control to marine security, land administration reforms, financial accountability, and public safety. His opposition to the proposed siting of a nuclear power facility in Itu Local Government Area demonstrated a commitment to protecting the interests of his constituents.

Also Read: When Leadership Speaks Through Impact: A Human Story of Service by Kufreabasi Edidem

Those who claim there is no evidence of performance should explain away the educational and infrastructural projects facilitated by Rt. Hon. Edidem across Itu State Constituency.

The renovation and electrification of Primary School, Mbak Ikot Awa, the rehabilitation of six classroom blocks and administrative facilities at Community Secondary Commercial School, Ibiaku Itam, and the renovation of classroom blocks at RCM Group School, West Itam are all tangible projects that beneficiaries can see and verify.

In addition, more than 600 desks were distributed to schools to improve learning conditions. Hundreds of students benefited from educational support, including the donation of 250 dozen exercise books to indigent pupils and assistance to students facing financial challenges.

Youth development has also remained a priority. Rt. Hon. Edidem facilitated employment opportunities for constituents, including recruitment into the Nigerian Army, while also supporting sporting and academic excellence through sponsorship of COMSECOM teams, including participation in international competitions in Malaysia.

As Deputy Speaker, he has diligently performed his oversight responsibilities by monitoring major government projects and institutions, ensuring transparency and value for public funds. His involvement in oversight activities covering strategic state assets further demonstrates a commitment to accountable governance.

It is therefore difficult to understand how anyone objectively reviewing these achievements could conclude that Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem represents poor performance.

Criticism is healthy in a democracy, but criticism loses credibility when it deliberately ignores evidence. The public deserves honest conversations based on facts, not selective omissions designed to fit a predetermined narrative.

The true measure of leadership is not found in sensational headlines or politically motivated commentaries. It is found in the laws enacted, the schools improved, the students supported, the jobs facilitated, the communities impacted, and the lives transformed.

By those standards, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem has established a record that speaks for itself.

No amount of revisionism can erase documented achievements, and no politically motivated attack can diminish years of visible service to the people of Itu State Constituency and Akwa Ibom State.

Facts remain stubborn things. And in this case, the facts overwhelmingly support the record of Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem.