By Kingsley Agim
Top officials of the Cross River State Government have reiterated calls for the creation of Ogoja State, increased local government areas, and constitutional reforms that reflect the aspirations of the people, during the South-South Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held in Calabar.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, described the constitutional review process as “timely and necessary,” not just for Cross River but for the entire country. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the initiative, noting that the issues raised by the people of Cross River resonate across other parts of Nigeria.
“As you sit here, representing different states, I believe many of the demands made today, like the creation of more local governments and better representation, are issues you also face in your own areas,” Ironbar told members of the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee.
He recalled past efforts by President Tinubu, during his tenure as a governor, to create new local governments, a vision which, he believes, can now help address longstanding structural challenges. “That good thought of his many years ago is going to help ease the suffering of other marginalized states across the nation,” he said.
Ironbar also praised Governor Bassey Otu for providing all necessary logistics to ensure a successful hearing, adding that Cross River is united in its demands for justice and inclusion in the ongoing constitutional reforms.
Also speaking to journalists, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Akiba Ekpenyong, Esq., made a passionate case for the creation of Ogoja State, stating that the present-day Cross River is too vast — geographically, culturally, and demographically — to remain a single administrative entity.
“Ogoja State is long overdue. By landmass, population, and resources, Cross River can conveniently become more than one state,” Ekpenyong declared. He argued that state creation would enhance economic development, improve resource distribution, and promote peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.
Highlighting what he described as a longstanding imbalance, Ekpenyong noted that Cross River has only 18 local government areas, far fewer than it deserves given its population and complexity. “We are due for over 40 local governments and more than 50 state constituencies,” he said, adding that the current structure leaves the state underrepresented and underserved.
“There is total unity of purpose in our demands,” he emphasized. “We have no conflict among our people on this matter. Our teeming population and enormous challenges require meaningful representation and equitable development.”
Ekpenyong commended the federal government and the National Assembly for creating platforms that allow Nigerians to contribute directly to the constitutional amendment process. “This is the people’s constitution, and we are proud to be part of shaping it through democratic input,” he said.
The public hearing, held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, drew participants from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States, and featured presentations from civil society groups, traditional leaders, and community representatives advocating for structural and constitutional reforms.
The hearing was part of the broader nationwide process initiated by the 10th National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution in line with contemporary realities and popular demand.
