By Frank Ulom
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – Advocates for the creation of Ogoja State from nine local government areas in northern Cross River State have stated that they will not oppose the inclusion of other ethnic groups from neighbouring states, including Benue, as long as due constitutional processes are followed.
This position was made known by the Convener of the Movement for the Creation of Ogoja State, Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, in an exclusive interview with Daily Post, on Friday, in response to the interest expressed by the Igede ethnic group in Benue State to be part of the proposed state.
The Igede people made their appeal during the North-Central public hearing on the ongoing constitutional review, held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Wednesday. Representing the group, Ben Obega cited their historical ties to the old Ogoja Province as the basis for their request to exit Benue and be incorporated into the proposed Ogoja State. The proposal is currently before the National Assembly.
Reacting to the development, Enamhe described the move as a reflection of democratic values, acknowledging the right of the Igede people to seek affiliation with a state of their choice.
“All I can say is it’s the beauty of democracy,” Enamhe stated. “The Igede people have a right to choose to belong to Ogoja State but they have to send their proposal to Ben Kalu’s committee and the Senator Seriake Dickson’s committee.”
He confirmed that representatives of the Igede community had previously participated in public consultations in Ikom and Ogoja, and recognised their ancestral ties, saying, “Historically, the Igede-Agba people are children of the enlarged Agba family.”
Enamhe, however, stressed that such inclusion would require constitutional backing and legislative procedures involving the Igede’s elected representatives at the National Assembly. He noted that Ogoja remains one of the few former provinces yet to be granted statehood, alongside the Ijebu Province, and is strongly positioned for creation.
Speaking on behalf of the Igede youth, Comrade Cletus Aruta said the group’s push to join Ogoja State was in pursuit of equity, justice, and development, which they allege have been denied under the current Benue State structure.
“If Igede can join the proposed Ogoja State, it will be better for us than remaining in Benue,” Aruta said, adding, “We can’t go back to Egypt anymore.”
He described the proposed realignment as a path to a fresh beginning under a more inclusive and development-oriented administration, expressing hope that the move would end the historical neglect and marginalisation of the Igede people.
The proposed Ogoja State would comprise parts of northern and central Cross River and could potentially include groups like the Igede, should the constitutional process allow their integration.
