STATE CREATION: Abi-Yakurr Peoples Assembly pays Courtesy to Governor of Cross River State, H. E. Prince Edet Otu 

Oru Leonard 

In a demonstration of civic responsibility and communal solidarity, the Abi-Yakurr Peoples Assembly convened with His Excellency, Senator Prince Edet Bassey Otu, the esteemed Governor of Cross River State, in Calabar on Thursday. The primary objective of this august assembly was to present a formal declaration of their unwavering resolve to remain an integral part of Cross River State, contingent upon the prospective creation of Ogoja State. Complementary to this declaration, a previously submitted petition to the National Assembly and a corroborative letter to the Ogoja State Team were also tendered to the Governor to ensure comprehensive awareness and informed deliberation.

His Excellency’s response was a testament to his sagacious leadership and profound understanding of the socio-political and cultural intricacies inherent in this matter. The Governor articulated several pivotal points with eloquence and clarity:

1. Right to Self-Determination: His Excellency underscored the inalienable right of the Abi and Yakurr peoples to self-determination, affirming their sovereign prerogative to elect their desired state affiliation.

2. Cultural Affinity: He highlighted the indissoluble cultural bonds that unite the peoples of the southern regions and the Abi-Yakurr communities, asserting that these historical and cultural ties must remain inviolate.

3. Support for State Continuity: His Excellency expressed unambiguous support for the Abi-Yakurr people’s preference to remain within Cross River State, recognizing the enduring cultural and historical connections that bind them.

4. Welcoming Development-Oriented State Creation: While acknowledging the potential benefits of new state creation, Governor Otu emphasized that such processes must be pursued without rancor and acrimony. He astutely noted that the principal challenges confronting Nigeria are pervasive hunger and a lack of productivity. Addressing these fundamental issues would significantly diminish the impetus for new state agitations, highlighting that effective governance supersedes mere administrative reconfigurations
In a resounding affirmation of his commitment to the state’s advancement, His Excellency elucidated his strategic efforts to reclaim the 98 oil wells that were extricated from Cross River State, a move pivotal to the state’s economic revitalization. He reiterated the necessity of strengthening the bonds between the peoples of Abi-Yakurr and the southern regions, who share profound cultural commonalities.

Governor Bassey Otu further assured the security of lives and properties regardless of any outcomes related to state creation. However, he expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of such a creation due to the extant constitutional requisites, which are notably arduous. Nevertheless, he advocated for a peaceful and orderly pursuit of the people’s aspirations.

The deliberations culminated in a consensus that, should Ogoja State materialize, the Abi and Yakurr peoples would unequivocally elect to remain integral to Cross River State, reaffirming their enduring allegiance and cultural unity.

In conclusion, the visit underscored a mutual acknowledgment of shared aspirations and a collective resolve to fortify the developmental trajectory of Cross River State under the enlightened leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu. The Governor’s dedication to the state’s development, his perspicacious governance, and his unwavering support for the cultural cohesion of its people were rightfully lauded.

Cover Photo Caption: Group photo during the visit to the Governor of Cross River State