Stakeholders in Cross River Central Senatorial District have cautioned social media activists and content creators against using their platforms to heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders urged youths and online commentators to promote responsible political discourse and shun personal attacks, defamation and provocative content capable of causing division in communities.
The appeal followed an alleged confrontation involving content creator, Assam Michael Okongor, popularly known as MC Okrika, and suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senatorial Candidate for Cross River Central, Hon. Oden Ewa, at Hotel 45, Ikom.
Okongor alleged that he was assaulted by political associates of Ewa during a stakeholders meeting on September 6. Associates of Ewa, however, rejected the allegation, describing it as an attempt to damage the reputation of the APC candidate.
A close associate of Ewa, Agbor Eba, accused Okongor of engaging in a campaign of calumny against the candidate and alleged that his activities were sponsored by political opponents.
Okongor has used his social media platforms to highlight alleged infrastructure deficiencies in Etung and Ikom, including the condition of some public schools.
The disagreement reportedly intensified after he criticised Prince Ebuta Ayuk, Director General of the Ewa campaign organisation, in a recent video.
In a petition to the Cross River State Police Command, Okongor’s counsel, T.O. Teke, Esq., alleged that his client was slapped, beaten and had a drink poured on him during the confrontation.
The lawyer called for a thorough and impartial investigation, while stressing his client’s right to freedom of expression and lawful criticism.
Meanwhile, community leader Samuel Agbor, who attended the meeting, confirmed that an altercation occurred but urged content creators to embrace responsible activism.
Agbor said Okongor’s earlier criticism of poor school infrastructure had contributed to Ewa allegedly committing N13 million for rehabilitation.
Another stakeholder, Emmanuel Ogar, urged youths to avoid political confrontation, respect community leaders and use dialogue and lawful channels to resolve disagreements.
The stakeholders appealed to political actors, youths and content creators to exercise restraint and promote issue based campaigns as the 2027 elections approach.
