The people of Abi and Yakurr Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State have officially distanced themselves from the movement advocating for the creation of Ogoja State. This decision was communicated through a joint meeting and a subsequent communiqué issued by the Abi-Yakurr Peoples Assembly.

The communiqué, signed by Dr. Sam Eno, Secretary of the Assembly, was released to the press on Monday in Abuja. The Assembly clarified that the inclusion of Abi and Yakurr in the proposed 11 LGAs for the new Ogoja State was an error. They had previously expressed their objections in a letter addressed to Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN), a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation and leader of the Ogoja State Creation Forum.

While the Abi and Yakurr people are not opposed to the creation of Ogoja State, they prefer to remain part of Cross River State. The Assembly emphasized their right to decide their political alignment and underscored the significance of remaining within Cross River for their collective identity and future prosperity.

The communiqué noted:
“The meeting affirmed the inherent right of the Abi and Yakurr People to decide their political allegiance. It was unequivocally agreed that the Abi and Yakurr people desire to remain within Cross River State. The importance of the Abi and Yakurr Peoples remaining within Cross River State was underscored as a critical element of their collective identity and future prosperity.”

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The Assembly expressed support for the creation of Ogoja State, recognizing its potential for significant economic development. However, they emphasized that Abi and Yakurr will continue to be part of Cross River State.

During their visit to Governor Bassey Otu, the Assembly formally declared their decision to remain part of Cross River State, even if Ogoja State is created. The governor acknowledged their preference and appreciated their cultural and historical ties to Cross River. He also briefed the Assembly on his efforts to reclaim 98 oil wells previously removed from Cross River State, a move critical for the state’s economic revitalization.

The ongoing agitation for Ogoja State involves creating a new state from the existing Cross River State, which would include six LGAs from the Central Senatorial District (Yakurr, Abi, Obubra, Etung, Ikom, and Boki) and five LGAs from the Northern Senatorial District (Obanliku, Yala, Ogoja, Bekwarra, and Obudu).