‘I Heard Otu Is Falling for That Gimmick’— Simon Utsu Accuses Rep Mike Etaba of Playing ‘Errand Boy’ Tactics to Secure Ticket

A Concerned Cross Riverian, Simon Utsu, has taken a swipe at several members of the House of Representatives from Cross River State, accusing them of underperformance.

 

 

He alleged that one of the long-serving House of Representatives members, Mike Etaba, has continued to deploy “trickish” and manipulative tactics to secure repeated political endorsements.

 

 

Utsu made the claims in a series of posts criticising what he described as the “poor performance culture” among several federal lawmakers from Cross River, particularly first-term members who, according to him, have hidden under the excuse of being new while contributing little to their constituencies.

 

Praise for Abia Reps Member Amobi Ogah

 

Utsu began by contrasting Cross River lawmakers with Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, a first-time House of Reps member representing a constituency in Abia State.

According to him, Ogah has demonstrated a level of seriousness and commitment that should serve as a benchmark for others.

 

“I saw a video of him inspecting hundreds of items inside a big yard. As a Reps member, this terrain can be your staple, but if you graduate to the upper house, I expect you to focus more on the kind of human capital development I frequently talk about,” Utsu wrote.

He added that Ogah’s track record shows consistency, not a sudden election-season performance.

 

“Rep Members Hide Benefits Until Election Season”

 

Turning to Cross River lawmakers, Utsu accused many of hoarding constituency benefits until an election approaches. He alleged that some lawmakers “corner everything” meant for their people and only release a small fraction to gain support when campaigns begin.

 

According to him, this deceitful approach takes advantage of constituents who have been starved of development for years.

 

> “One devilish thing most Rep members in my state do is corner all their constituency benefits and only bring out a fraction when elections draw near, to deceive the already starved constituents,” he said.

 

Victor Abang Praised as an Exception

 

While criticizing many, Utsu singled out Victor “Mature” Abang, the Ikom/Boki representative, saying he appears to be one of the few delivering meaningful projects.

 

Utsu’s Sharp Critique of Mike Etaba

 

However, his strongest criticism was directed at Hon. Mike Etaba, who represents the Etung/Obubra Federal Constituency and is currently serving his third term.

 

Utsu described Etaba as someone who has mastered political manipulation, alleging that he habitually plays “pity party and dumb cards” to secure the party’s ticket.

 

He further accused the lawmaker of acting subservient toward whoever occupies the governor’s office at the time, calling that person “my father” in an attempt to appear loyal and win political favour.

 

“He keeps his face like an errand boy so you’d see that as a sign of endless loyalty. I hear Governor Otu is already falling for that gimmick,” Utsu claimed.

 

There has been sustained speculation that Etaba is seeking a fourth term, a move that has already stirred unease within his constituency.

 

Peter Akpanke Mocked for Endless Consultations

 

Utsu did not spare Peter Akpanke, the representative for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku.

According to him, Akpanke appears to be focusing more on political consultations than visible constituency projects.

 

He joked about seeing the lawmaker in a recent picture with his predecessor in the UK, still consulting barely halfway into his first term.

 

“Boss, abeg take am easy with the consultations before they start calling you ‘consultant’… by then some people go begin mistake you for a medical doctor. Which one you be? Consultant gynecologist or consultant pediatrician?” he teased.

 

 

Growing Scrutiny Ahead of 2027

 

Utsu’s comments come at a time when political activities are gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections.

There is increasing pressure on lawmakers to show tangible results, especially in constituencies where voters have repeatedly complained about poor representation.

 

While none of the lawmakers mentioned have publicly responded to the allegations, the remarks have triggered lively debate online, with many constituents echoing the concerns and calling for greater accountability.

 

As the 2027 race approaches, the performance of incumbents and the strategies they use to secure party tickets are expected to play a major role in shaping the political landscape of Cross River State.