Ogoja has resources, population to thrive, Jarigbe defends proposed state

Jarigbe Jarigbe, the senator representing Cross River north, says the proposed Ogoja state has the natural resources, population and economic viability to thrive if granted statehood.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday, the lawmaker said the proposed state has the potential to thrive if its resources are properly harnessed.

“If the relevant laws are applied and these resources are properly harnessed, don’t you think we will add value and generate revenue to run our proposed state?” Jarigbe said.

“I believe that if our resources are well managed, Ogoja state will become a reality. It depends on our priorities. Some governors perform well; others don’t.

“The success of a state ultimately depends on those who govern it. That’s why I believe Ogoja state will fare better if created.”

On concerns about funding for basic amenities such as potable water, healthcare, and infrastructure, the senator insisted that Ogoja has the potential to be self-sustaining.

“The proposed Ogoja State has potential. We have natural resources that, if properly harnessed, can make the state viable. It has worked in other places, and it can work here too,” he said.

The lawmaker also cited historical antecedents, population, and landmass as justifications for Ogoja’s creation.

“The proposed Ogoja state was a provincial headquarters between 1954 and 1967 in the colonial era. It remains the only former provincial headquarters that has not yet become a state,” he argued.

“Others have been created and are more developed than Ogoja. I bet you that if Ogoja state is created, the area will witness significant development.”

He added that the proposed state has a population of about three million people and covers a vast landmass, noting that the distance between Calabar, the capital city of Cross River state, and Ogoja is about six hours.

BACKGROUND

A bill seeking to create Ogoja state from the present-day Cross River passed second reading in the house of representatives on October 17, 2024.

The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Godwin Offiono and three other lawmakers from Cross River, was referred to the committee on constitutional review.

On February 6, the house of representatives received submissions for creating 31 new states.

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house and chairman of the constitution review committee, announced during the plenary that all proposals must be resubmitted by March 5 in strict compliance with constitutional requirements.

However, TheCable reported on February 10 that a principal officer of the house, who declined to be named, said none of the proposals adhered to the laid-down constitutional procedures and would not progress to the next stage.

The national assembly is currently reviewing proposals for constitutional amendments.

Amending the 1999 Constitution to create a new state or adjust boundaries is a difficult process, and no state has been created since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

In January, Kalu said the constitution amendment process would be completed by December 2025.