Constitutional Review: Southern Cross River State Backs Creation of Ogoja State

By Missang AKPET 

The people of Southern Cross River State have expressed strong support for the creation of Ogoja State from the present Cross River State. 

High Chief Eyo Etim Nyong, speaking on behalf of the people of Cross River South, emphasized that the need for Ogoja State is long overdue, citing its historical significance as a province during colonial times.

Nyong noted that Ogoja was one of three provinces in the Eastern Region, alongside Calabar and Owerri, and that it is the only one yet to become a state. He argued that creating Ogoja State would bring governance closer to the people, attract federal resources, and accelerate development in underdeveloped areas.

The call for Ogoja State was echoed by representatives from various Local Government Areas in the southern senatorial district, who also advocated for the creation of new LGAs. The people of Calabar Municipality asked for an extra Local Government Area named Calabar North to be created of the present municipality making it 2, Calabar South asked for the Creation of 2 more Local Governments namely Atakpa LGA and Calabar Central LGA, Odukpani prayed for the creation of 4 more LGAs namely Okoyong, Eburutu, Iboku and Obio LGAs while Bakassi demanded that an extra Loca Government named Bakassi South be Created. 

Additionally, the people of Akamkpa and Akpabuyo LGAs though did not mention the names of their proposed Local Governments, both demanded for 
6 and 2 accordingly while the people of Biase made no presentation.

However, in a surprising move, the people of Abi Yakurr federal constituency who are part of Cross River Central Senatorial District, opted to remain in Cross River State despite supporting the creation of Ogoja State. They cited their ancestral, social, and administrative ties to the state as reasons for their decision.