By Frank Ulom
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, has reaffirmed that the proposal for the creation of Ogoja State remains active and on course, despite its omission from a recently circulated preliminary list of proposed new states by the Senate Constitution Review Committee.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, 19th July 2025, the Senator’s media team addressed growing concerns among constituents, urging calm and trust in the legislative process. The statement clarified that the omission does not reflect the status of the proposal but is rather a reflection of procedural stages in the National Assembly.
According to the release, the Bill for the creation of Ogoja State was formally introduced in the House of Representatives by Hon. Godwin Offiono, who represents Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency. The Senator explained that under legislative rules, such a Bill cannot be concurrently sponsored in both chambers of the National Assembly.
“Once a Bill is initiated in one chamber — in this case, the House of Representatives — it must follow due process there and, upon successful passage, will be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence before the final reading and onward transmission for Presidential assent,” the statement read.
Senator Jarigbe stressed that the non-inclusion of Ogoja State in the preliminary list does not equate to abandonment, warning against misinformation and politicisation of the matter.
“We are not in the National Assembly to create superficial impressions or engage in fanfare. We are here to face realities… guided by law and principle,” the statement emphasised.
The Senator’s office also confirmed that a public hearing on the Ogoja State proposal, as part of the ongoing constitutional review, will be held in Calabar under the supervision of the House of Representatives. This is in line with the legislative trajectory required by Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
“As the Constitution Review process advances, the final list of proposed states, which will ultimately include Ogoja State, will be made public following due procedures,” the release added.
Senator Jarigbe urged constituents to remain united and focused on the collective aspiration for state creation. He described the movement for Ogoja State as one backed by history, merit, and growing national support.
“Ogoja State is not just a proposal, it is a movement… Let us not allow misinformation to divide us or distract from the larger goal,” the statement concluded.
The Senator’s message comes amid rising calls for clarity over the fate of the proposed Ogoja state, as the National Assembly continues its ongoing constitutional amendment process.
