By Nsan Neji
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – At the meeting recently held at the office of Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
1. Exclusion of Yakurr and Abi LGAs: It was resolved that Yakurr and Abi Local Government Areas are officially removed from the proposed Ogoja State creation – since they so wished.
2. Adjustment of LGA Proposals: After extensive deliberations, it was agreed that the two senatorial districts involved in the Ogoja State creation (Northern and Central) will each propose a maximum of 18 Local Government Areas, bringing the total to 36 LGAs for the proposed state.
3. Central Senatorial District LGA Distribution: The following distribution was agreed upon for the Central Senatorial District’s 18 LGAs:
- Boki: 6 LGAs
- Ikom: 5 LGAs
- Etung: 3 LGAs
- Obubra: 4 LGAs
4. State Capital: It was unanimously agreed that Mbok will serve as the Headquarters of the proposed Ogoja State.
5. Consultation on LGA Headquarters: Leaders of the various Local Government Areas were encouraged to engage in consultations with relevant stakeholders to decide on the locations of their respective LGA headquarters.
6. Final Public Hearing: The final Public Hearing on the Ogoja State creation will take place in Calabar on Friday, 19th July 2025. All members were urged to attend in unity and avoid any actions or statements that could cause division or weaken the cause.
7. Unity and Commitment to the Struggle: The leadership reaffirmed their collective commitment to the actualisation of Ogoja State. Several leaders also offered public apologies for past misunderstandings and disagreements during the course of the state creation process.
We also strongly advise that all stakeholders and true lovers of our much-desired Ogoja State eschew all forms of acrimony and suspicion with a view to building trust and confidence that will promote unity, peace, progress and development to our dear Ogoja State.
Stakeholders used the opportunity to thank Hon. Godwin Offiono Esq., for his initiative and wisdom in convening this reconciliation of our various positions and views. This is to most sincerely thank all leaders whose invaluable contributions at the said meeting resulted in this milestone achievement in our political history. May the Almighty God crown our efforts with success. On Ogoja State we stand.
8. Closing: The meeting concluded at approximately 8:30 PM, with members embracing each other and taking group photographs as a show of true reconciliation, solidarity, unity, and shared purpose.
