WHETHER HOME OR ABROAD THINK CROSS RIVER
BY Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe
FOR THE RECORD
Speech delivered by Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, delivered at Cross River in the Diaspora Convention held at Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, 98-104 Constitution Hill, Birmingham, UK on Friday, August 1 and Sunday, August 3, 2025.
The think CROSS RIVER mantra, as conceptualised, a while ago, to galvanise organic love, harmony and peace amongst Cross Riverians, across their diverse cultural,social, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. is gaining momentum.
This is because the present State administration has keyed into it as a complementary part of His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Otu's empathetic People First, Mantra.
One practical demonstration of indeed living the people first Mantra by the governor was the total and unconditional support for the agitations for the creation of Ogoja State in recent times.
Many governors would, in the quest for larger territorial control, be averse to cutting off territories from their area of control. But in the demonstration of foresight, to ensure the easier development of the entire landmass that constitutes the present Cross River, Gov Otu became the major proponent of the Ogoja State Movement.
HE THINKS CROSS RIVER!
Cross Riverians at home or abroad must start to think CROSS RIVER. Our politicians in all political parties, especially those elected and appointed into positions, must eschew inclinations to partisan considerations in dealing with the people and only THINK CROSS RIVER.
Most importantly, Cross Riverians in the diaspora must THINK CROSS RIVER. They are our collective identity out there. They export our identity of class, decency, hospitality, and accommodation to the outside world.
Thinking Cross River will always motivate them to be better versions of themselves and their state and nation
And for every son and daughter of Cross River, who believes that home is not a place,
but a promise. Whether at Home or Abroad, Think Cross River!
From the legislative chambers of the Tenth National Assembly
to the silent hopes of communities awaiting recognition, this is more than a debate about statehood-
it is about justice, visibility, and strategic participation. Whether at Home or Abroad, Think Cross River!
Whether at Home or Abroad, Think Cross River! Cross River is more than a place on the map - it is a memory in motion, a culture in color, a promise waiting to be fulfilled. Whether you're walking the cobbled streets of Calabar or navigating life in distant lands, the rhythm of Cross River beats steadily in your heart.
This is a call to every son and daughter, students, professionals, artisans and dreamers. Let your success echo with the pride of your roots. Invest, speak up, represent, return when you can, carry along others at home to where opportunities abound and remember always, your state needs your light.
His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, as we THINK CROSS RIVER, we implore you to continue to do all the best you can to settle the communal crisis between the Ukelle people and the Izzis of Ebonyi state as well as the crisis between the Obudu people and the Tivs, Isobendeghe as well as Obubra.
The security of your people continues to be paramount.
Let’s create a buffer zone in the boundary between Ukele in Yala Cross River state and Ezzi in Ebony state, Gakem in bekwarra Cross River and Vandekya Benue state
To every listener here today, whether you walk the red earth of Obudu or stride the pavements of Paris, from Gakem to Geneva, from Obanliku to Oklahoma
Calabar to California, Boki/Ikom forests to the Amazons or Australia, Obubra, Yala or to Sunderland, carry this banner in your heart. Whether at home or abroad, think Cross River,
Because home is not a boundary; it’s a bond.
And until it pleases the federal government to create a Calabar state or an Ogoja state let this thought continue to resonate with us.
This is the best possible period for the Think Cross River mantra to catch on. With Governor Otu's pan Cross River outlook.
His across the state development strides, his prompt and wholehearted support to the who-is-who in Northern Cross River Forum to repatriate the seemingly forgotten remains of late Elder Statesman and Nigeria's former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, from a London morg back home for proper burial within record time after assumption of office, speaks volumes of the governors commitment to serving Cross River notwithstanding tribe, status or location.
Let us, therefore, together with His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, continue to Think Cross River.
All Cross Riverians say so!
WHETHER AT HOME OR ABROAD , LET'S THINK CROSS RIVER!!”
Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, an environmental and human rights lawyer and community activist/teacher. He is also the Convener and spokesman for the agitation for the creation of Ogoja State
