Offoboche rallies lawmakers, stakeholders to actualise Ogoja state creation dream

By Ukpono Ukpong

Hon. Charles Offoboche, a former House of Representatives aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2022 by-election, has renewed calls for the creation of Ogoja State, urging lawmakers and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward realising the long-standing demand.

This is as he likened the quest to a pregnancy nearing its due date, stressing the inevitability of Ogoja attaining statehood.

In a statement issued yesterday, Offoboche underscored the importance of sustained legislative and grassroots mobilisation to ensure that the agitation for Ogoja State does not stall. He described the movement as one whose time has come, and which deserves immediate national attention.

A leading advocate for the state creation, Offoboche commended the fresh push by the lawmaker representing the Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, describing the renewed legislative action as timely and reflective of growing public support.

He lamented what he termed the historical injustice against Ogoja, which had existed as a province before 1908 but remains without state status, unlike several younger regions in the South-South that have since been recognised as full-fledged states.

“No matter how long it takes, a pregnant woman will deliver,” he said, emphasising that the fate of Ogoja must also culminate in statehood.

He highlighted what he described as the injustice of Ogoja’s lack of state status since it was established as a province before 1908, especially when compared to its counterparts in the South-South region.

Charles argued that the establishment of Ogoja State would catalyse significant socio-economic development and provide a sense of inclusivity for its residents pointing out that neighbouring states, Enugu and Ebonyi, which did not exist as entities during the colonial era, have since emerged as recognised states, and further illustrating the potential Ogoja State holds.

He however called on Sen. Jarigbe Agom representing Cross River-North in the senate to give a speedy push in the upper chamber when it gets to the floor without forgetting Hon. Peter Akpanke of OBO to join their voice in making sure that this dream becomes a reality in the wake of 2027.

In the same vein, Offoboche urged well-meaning Cross River North sons and daughters in the ruling APC to shun party differences but join forces with Hon. Offiono who is championing the bill to become an achievement of this generation as the last failed in it.

He highlighted the strategic advantages of Ogoja State, including its economic viability and land capacity to effectively house a state infrastructure.

Offoboche posited that if any new state creation was to be considered within Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape, Ogoja State from the South-South region should be prioritised due to its readiness and potential impact on the region’s development.