Renewed Calls for Ogoja State Creation as Residents Decry Marginalisation in Cross River

The long-standing agitation for the creation of Ogoja State has resurfaced with heightened urgency, as residents of Ogoja, Boki, and Yala Local Government Areas demand political autonomy, citing decades of neglect, underdevelopment, and systemic marginalisation within Cross River State.

During an interview session in Ogoja on Tuesday, locals voiced deep frustrations over what they described as persistent deprivation of basic amenities and fair political representation. They lamented the absence of potable water, erratic electricity supply, deplorable road networks, substandard educational facilities, and poorly equipped healthcare services.

The people argued that, despite being one of the most resource-rich regions in the state — contributing significantly to agriculture and the exploitation of natural produce — they have been sidelined in development projects, political appointments, and resource allocation.

Prince Bassey Okon, an outspoken advocate for the movement, described the proposed creation of Ogoja State as “the best thing that could ever happen in the history of the Ogoja people.”

According to him:

“It would be quite historic because Ogoja State has the potential to be one of the best in Nigeria. This will be total redemption for our people. Cross River State is vast — from Bakassi LGA to Obudu, Ogoja, Obanliku, or Bekwara can take seven to eight hours to travel. In most other states, you can cross into another within four to five hours at most. The creation of Ogoja State will not only make governance closer to the people but will also unlock massive development opportunities.”

Okon stressed that the region already has the infrastructure and resources to function as a separate state, urging President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to act swiftly in granting their request.

Echoing similar sentiments, Tony Etui pointed out the economic viability of the proposed state:

“Ogoja State has the required capacity. Our timber resources, especially from Etung, Boki, and Ogoja, sustain not only Cross River but other South-South states. Even foreigners come here to exploit our timber and export it abroad. We need a state of our own to control and benefit from our resources.”

Mrs. Ofong Ibana from Yala LGA emphasised the region’s agricultural strength, particularly in yam production:

“Ogoja people supply yam to almost all the states in the South-South, and even beyond. We have enough resources to be economically independent. Unfortunately, some political leaders have, in the past, opposed this movement for selfish reasons. They forget that if Ogoja State is created, the benefits would be far-reaching for everyone.”

The push for Ogoja State is not new, having featured prominently in past state creation debates. However, proponents believe the renewed call comes at a time when Nigeria’s federal structure is under scrutiny, and there is growing recognition of the need to bring governance closer to the people.

Advocates insist that with its abundant agricultural produce, timber industry, and strategic location in the northern part of Cross River, Ogoja has all the ingredients of a self-sustaining state.

Whether the Federal Government will heed this latest demand remains uncertain, but residents say they are determined to intensify their campaign until Ogoja State becomes a reality.

Akahi News – http://www.akahinews.org