Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River State, has expressed his support for the agitation to create Ogoja State out of the present Cross River State.
The governor made this known in Calabar when leaders and stakeholders from nine local government areas – Bekwarra, Boki, Etung
Ikom, Obanliku, Obubra Obudu, Ogoja, and Yala – visited him at the Government House, Calabar, as part of ongoing consultations on the Ogoja State Movement.
The delegation was led by the convener, Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, alongside prominent political, traditional, and professional leaders from the nine LGAs.
Otu commended Pa Enamhe for his rare leadership qualities and consistency in seeing tasks through to completion, saying that he is “with the movement body and soul.”
He said, “Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe is a man who can be trusted. He has always shown the ability to complete any assignment he sets his mind on. He is dependable and has the gift of bringing people from all walks of life together for a just cause.”
The governor recalled his personal experiences with Enamhe, particularly during the mission to repatriate the remains of the late former Senate President, Sen. Joseph Wayas, from the UK for burial in his hometown.
“We had almost given up, but Enamhe and Johnny Agim, SAN, came to me with confidence that they would bring Wayas home. At first, I doubted them. Even when some tried to discourage me, I gave them my support, and in the end, they delivered. That gave me, and indeed our entire state, a great sense of pride,” Otu recounted.
On the agitation for Ogoja State, Governor Otu aligned himself with the cause, adding that Cross River’s size and diversity justified additional states.
“From Calabar to Obanliku is a long distance. If the Federal Government is to be fair, Cross River deserves at least two additional states, making it three in total. Ogoja State is long overdue,” Otu said.
He also said that the creation of new states had often spurred development in other parts of the country, adding that Ogoja would benefit from greater federal presence and private investment.
He said that an additional state would attract more developers and open doors for growth as in our sister states.
Governor Otu also applauded members of the Southern Initiative, who had declared solidarity with the Ogoja State Movement.
“I am deeply impressed with the support coming from the South. Honestly, I did not expect it to be this strong, and I must thank you all,” he said.
The delegation reflected the Ogoja State Movement’s unity and commitment with prominent leaders from each local government area present.
From Obanliku, Chief Linus Adie and Senator Musa Adede led the group, while former Governor ProfBen Ayade and Prince Jedy Goddy-Agba represented Obudu. Senator Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, and Hon. Justice Maurice Eneji (Rtd) spoke for Bekwarra, and Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba led the Ikom contingent.
The Yala delegation included Sen. Greg Ngaji and Hon. Godwin Offiono, the bill’s sponsor, while Gen. Moses Obi and Hon. Cletus Obun represented Boki.
Etung, Obubra, and Ogoja were equally well-represented by leaders like Sen. John Owan Eno, Mrs. Comfort Otera-Chigbue, and Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, respectively.
Others included Kanu Agabi, SAN, and AVM Clement Ogbeche (rtd), as well as political leaders, traditional rulers, academics, and civil society representatives from the nine LGAs.
The meeting ended on a note of hope and determination, with the Governor’s words echoing in the hearts of the delegates: “Imagine how sad I would be if the Federal Government created new states and Ogoja was left out,” he said.
He urged them to keep pushing forward.
For Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe and Johnny Agim, SAN, the co-conveners, the governor’s support was a powerful endorsement of their vision.
As the delegation left the Government House, delegates who spoke separately, said they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose.
According to them, the dream of Ogoja State, long nurtured by the people of these nine local government areas, now felt closer than ever.
They also said that with the governor’s backing and the unity of their leaders, the Ogoja State Movement would make history.
In a joint statement to acknowledge the delegates’ commitment, the Conveners – Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe and Johnny Agim, SAN – thanked them for their sacrifice and commitment.
“You are all too kind,” they stated, expressing gratitude for the leaders’ unwavering support in the quest for Ogoja State.
They also thanked the governor for his openness and encouragement, pledging to continue to mobilise for the cause of Ogoja State creation.
By Dianabasi Effiong
