STAKEHOLDERS CANVASS UNIFIED FRONT IN THE AGITATION FOR OGOJA STATE
From Atim MGBE (Ogoja)
A former chief acting judge of Cross River State and coordinator, Ogoja state movement, Calabar zone,justice Maurice Eneji (Rtd) has canvassed for unity, teamwork and prayers for the actualization of Ogoja state.
During a town hall meeting of Calabar/Ogoja zone held at the former saint Thomas's teacher's training college, Ogoja, justice Eneji made it clear that all the colonial provinces have been transformed to states while Ogoja has remained a local government headquarters.
Historically,the former chief judge observed that the struggle for an Ogoja state dates back to 1945 with the agitation for Calabar--Ogoja--Rivers ,the COR state,noting the tree request has persisted."
The from chief law officer said,"from that time the agitation for Ogoja state has continued with eminent Nigerians like Dr.Nnandi.Azikiwe,Okoi Arikpo,MT Mbu,I.i.Murphy , Joseph Wayas,etc being in the forefront of the clamour for an Ogoja state".
He expressed the hope that Ogoja state would become realistic when the people of Cross River North and central work in the same direction.Justice.Eneji expressed delight with the people of Egede in Benue state ,who have indicated the interest in joining the proposed state.
"Our brothers and sisters from Egede have elected to join us and we receive them with open arms.Ogoja is home for all and our state will be actualized to enhance the prosperity of our people",he said.
Eneji intimated the gathering that Ogoja state is among the few highly favored to be created with a proposal of 40 local government areas.He said the current effort is a renewal of the prolonged agitation for the actualization of Ogoja and called for prayers and support from Nigerians.On his part one of the lead speakers , justice Pbojo ogar, retired,opined that Ogoja state is a call for self- determination .
He Ogoja state has great potentials with arable land for sustainable agriculture,a high population with highly.qualified manpower, untapped mineral resources,ect.
For justice ogar,the coming on board of the Egede people is an added impetus to the agitation.The coordinator of Cross River North zone, chief Matthew ojugbo in his address, said the forum was a platform to distill ideas,saying it was a crucial step in the journey towards statehood.
He gave credit to the forebearers of the movement who have worked relentlessly for the creation of Ogoja saying,..."their dedication, perseverance and vision, have perved the way for us to take the significant step towards self determination.
"The former boss of Yala local govt council further acknowledged the discussion about Ogoja state as a conversation about the future of it's people their resources and development adding that it was not merely.a.political matter.
Engineer Benson obega who spoke for the.egede deligation said his people have always identified with their brothers in Ogoja and made clear the interest of his people at home and in the diaspora with the good will.message to the event from the Egede diaspora committee sent by Professor Johnson Abinya who is in Australia.
Ealier the event chairman,Dr.Francis Ganyi carried out a historical analysis of the proposal for the creation of Ogoja state.
