UNICAL Don Enamhe Renews Call for Creation of Ogoja State, Says Oldest Province Deserves Compensation
By Benjamin GBOR, (Ikot Ekpene)
The Convener of the Movement for the Creation of Ogoja State, Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, has once again called on the federal government to give the Ogoja people their own state, saying the oldest Province Deserves compensation for sacrificing to keep Nigeria one.
Speaking at the Senate public hearing on Constitution review held at Ikot Ekpene, Enamhe lamented that despite this role in Nigeria’s history, the Ogoja people have been sidelined and underdeveloped.
In an emotion-laden tone and strong conviction, he said: “I come from a community that this country has forgotten, even though we once helped Nigeria win back its unity during the civil war. Gakim in Ogoja was the entry point used by Nigerian forces to retake Biafra.
“Look at Ikot Ekpene, look at Uyo, we used to be on the same level. Now, Ogoja looks like the worst,” he said, comparing Ogoja to neighbouring areas.”
Papa Dorn questioned why Ogoja is still not a state when it has everything it takes to stand on its own, saying “we have natural resources, crude oil, timber, cocoa... everything. Yet, Ogoja remains the only old province that has not been made a state.”
He also recalled the words of a governor from Cross River State who once said, “I have done my best to develop Ogoja nation, but I know the answer is in state creation. Give them a state, and they will develop themselves.”
He urged Nigerians to support their demand, pointing to Senate President Goswill Akpabio as an example of someone from a similar background who brought great development when given the chance.
“If we didn’t allow him to become governor, Akwa Ibom wouldn’t have transformed like it did. Today, it looks like New York City,” he said.
Papa Dorn stated that Ogoja, if made a state, would be peaceful, productive, and respectful.
“We are God-fearing and law-abiding people. We have never gone against the federal government. Give us a state, and we’ll give Nigeria a new face.”
