10th NASS members from Cross River proposes Ogoja state creation

The Caucus of the Cross River 10th National Assembly has demanded the creation of Ogoja State out from the present geo-political space.

The caucus led by Senator Jarigbe Agom of the Northern Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Williams of the Central Senatorial District, House of Representatives members – Peter Akpanke, Godwin Offiono and other NASS members who voted for its creation.

The caucus who described Ogoja as one of the biggest provinces in the south-south geopolitical zone yet to be made a state, pledged to work and support the dream to become a reality.

It would be recalled that pursuant to the call for memorandum for its creation in exercise of the power conferred on the Legislature by section 4,8 and 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) and Order 20, Rule 30 of the standing Orders of the House of Representatives (11th Edition), the entire people of Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of Cross River State here-by known as Northern Cross Riverians have respectfully submitted proposal for the creation of Ogoja State from the present Cross River State to the Deputy Speaker and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on Monday April 29, 2024.

And hinging their request on the grounds that since the beginning of representative government in Nigeria with the creation of twenty four (24) provinces, all the provinces and their headquarters have metamorphosed into states and capitals except Old Ogoja province with the reality today is that while all these areas have been recognized and created into states, Ogoja province is yet to enjoy the same status.

Speaking to newsmen on condition of anonymity, a prominent indigene of the area said that the call for memorandum/proposals for alterations of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) has been submitted for the creation of Ogoja state and additional local government areas to wit, with believe that the hallow chambers of the National Assembly would consider worthy and favourably approve through the esteemed House of Representatives Committee, the creation of Ogoja State with thirty-six, (36) local government areas as contained in the memorandum submitted.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)