Ukorebi Esien | May 20, 2026
CALABAR – Former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly and current Cross River State Representative on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Chief Orok Etim Duke, has argued against replacing lawmakers after only one term in office, insisting that legislative effectiveness requires continuity and experience.
Orok Duke made the remarks on Wednesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) direct primary election held across the state ahead of the 2027 elections, while speaking on the overwhelming support shown for the member representing Calabar South Constituency 1, Hon. Effiong Ekarika.
According to him, lawmakers should ordinarily be allowed to serve at least two terms before their performance is subjected to proper assessment.
“When you go to the House of Assembly or any legislative house, you should be given a minimum of two terms. The first term, you study the terrain. The second term, you consolidate,” Duke stated.
The former Calabar South lawmaker maintained that attempts to replace legislators after a single term often undermine continuity and the ability to build on experience gained in office.
“Any attempt to change somebody after one term does not make any sense because you learn the ropes during the first term, and the second term is when you consolidate. They can only begin to assess you after the second term,” he added.
Duke, who currently serves as Cross River State Representative on the NDDC Governing Board, explained that legislative work differs significantly from executive responsibilities, noting that lawmakers do not directly control funds for projects.
According to him, the primary duties of legislators involve lawmaking, oversight, and resolutions that create the framework for development, while execution remains the responsibility of the executive arm of government.
“The legislator does not control money. He cannot construct anything. The best he can do is pass resolutions and make laws. It is the duty of the executive to use those laws to execute projects,” he said.
Speaking after emerging as APC candidate for Calabar South Constituency 1, Hon. Effiong Ekarika expressed appreciation to party supporters for what he described as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership and representation.
Ekarika said the massive turnout witnessed during the direct primary election reflected the trust the people had in his style of leadership and commitment to the constituency.
“This is just a tip of the iceberg. Come 2027, people will see the real strength of our support base,” he stated.
The lawmaker stressed that leadership was not built on financial strength but on service, accessibility and commitment to the welfare of the people.
He maintained that his continued support within the constituency was linked to his responsiveness to constituents and his efforts toward promoting development-focused initiatives, including advocacy for the revitalisation of maritime and commercial activities in Marina, Calabar.
Also speaking, APC Ward 2 Chairman, Mr. Nsa Emmanuel Edem, described Ekarika as a grassroots politician whose popularity had continued to grow due to his relationship with constituents.
According to Edem, party faithful worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the affirmation exercise and remain optimistic about APC’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
“Hon. Ekarika is a grassroots politician loved by the people. The support witnessed today is a reflection of the confidence constituents have in his representation,” Edem said.
The APC affirmation exercise produced Hon. Effiong Ekarika as candidate for Calabar South Constituency 1, with over 3,000 supporters reportedly participating in the exercise.
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