Ogoja State: Cross River southern leaders back separation of northern district

Key leaders in the southern senatorial district of Cross River State have given their backing to the perennial agitation of their northern brethren for the creation of Ogoja State.

They gave this backing yesterday when both communities converged in Calabar upon the return of the delegation of the movement for Ogoja State from the Senate zonal hearing on amendment of federal constitution held in Ikot Ekpene few days ago.

The movement led by Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, coordinator of Who Is Who in Cross River North, had presented their memorandum to the panel during the plenary at Ikot Ekpene.

It will be recalled that this agitation many decades ago in the days of the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers (COR) accord, still remains the only province that has not become a state despite its sheer size.

During his visit last year to Ogoja, Gov Bassey Otu said he is in full support for the perennial agitation, adding that the resources at the government cannot effectively develop that part of the state.

“I will try my best to deplore the little resources towards Ogoja development. I indeed understand your reasons for the state creation movement., which I support.”;

Speaking at his palace, The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, told the movement, “Cross River State is too big. For instance, I was supposed to attend the thanksgiving ceremony of the chairmen of the Council of Chiefs but I couldn’t because of distance,

“We need an Ogoja State. We even need three states from present day Cross River.”;

At the meeting yesterday, the critical stakeholders of both Cross River north and south resolved to remain at peace and unity if the federal government decides in its good intentions to give create Ogoja State.

Leaders of the northern district came from these nine LGAs, Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra, Ogoja, Yala, Boki, Ikom, Etung, and Obubra – nine LGAs out of the 18 LGAs of the State.

Some of these LGAs are two times bigger than some states in the country, observed Cklaimz.

He further said, “Subsequent to yesterday’s deliberations with our brethren from the southern Region in Calabar, we, the nine LGAs of the future Ogoja State have unanimously agreed to separate amicably, as brothers, while maintaining a relationship founded on familial ties and mutual respect.