Key leaders from the southern senatorial district of Cross River State have declared their support for the creation of Ogoja State, an age-long demand of the people from the northern part of the state.
This support was expressed at a gathering held in Calabar, shortly after the return of a delegation from the Senate’s zonal public hearing on constitutional amendments in Ikot Ekpene.
The northern delegation, led by Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe—Coordinator of “Who is Who in Cross River North”—had presented a memorandum requesting the creation of Ogoja State during the Senate hearing.
The push for Ogoja State dates back to the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers (COR) era, with the area remaining one of the few former provinces yet to be granted statehood despite its large size and population.
During a past visit to Ogoja, Governor Bassey Otu also expressed support for the movement, saying, “I understand your reasons for seeking state creation, and I support it. Our current resources can’t fully develop that part of the state.”
Also speaking in favour of the move, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, told the delegation, “Cross River is too big. We need an Ogoja State. In fact, we need three states from present-day Cross River.”
Stakeholders from both northern and southern districts agreed to remain peaceful and united, while encouraging the Federal Government to act in good faith if it decides to approve the creation of Ogoja State.
The proposed state would comprise nine local government areas: Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra, Ogoja, Yala, Boki, Ikom, Etung, and Obubra.
Cklaimz noted that some of these LGAs are larger than existing states, saying the separation would be peaceful and based on mutual respect and shared cultural ties.