Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, has insisted that the agitations and processes for the creation of Ogoja State, out of Cross River State, must be pursued without rancour and acrimony.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of new state creation, he astutely noted that the principal challenges confronting Nigeria are pervasive hunger and a lack of productivity. Addressing these fundamental issues, he added, would significantly diminish the impetus for new state agitations, highlighting that effective governance supersedes mere administrative reconfigurations
Otu, who spoke when a delegation of the Abi-Yakurr Peoples Assembly paid him a visit in Calabar, further underscored the inalienable right of the Abi and Yakurr people to self-determination, affirming their sovereign prerogative to elect their desired state affiliation. He also highlighted the indissoluble cultural bonds that unite the people of the southern regions with the Abi-Yakurr communities, asserting that these historical and cultural ties must remain inviolate.
The governor gave assurances that the security of lives and properties regardless of any outcomes related to state creation will be protected, even though he expressed subtle skepticism regarding the feasibility of such a creation due to the extant constitutional requisites, which are notably arduous. Nevertheless, he advocated for a peaceful and orderly pursuit of the people’s aspirations, just like he expressed his unambiguous support for the Abi-Yakurr people’s preference to remain within Cross River State, recognizing the enduring cultural and historical connections that bind them.
Patrick Iwara, leader of the delegation, informed the governor that the primary objective of the assembly was to present a formal declaration of their unwavering resolve to remain an integral part of Cross River State, contingent upon the prospective creation of Ogoja State.
Complementary to this declaration, he added, a previously submitted petition to the National Assembly and a corroborative letter to the Ogoja State team were also tendered to the governor to ensure comprehensive awareness and informed deliberation.
