Member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency of Cross River State, Peter Akpanke has expressed support for the ongoing clamour for the creation of more states with particular focus on Ogoja as the oldest province in Nigeria.
Akpanke disclosed this at a news conference with members of Cross River Journalists Forum yesterday in Abuja.
The lawmaker described Ogoja as a province in Nigeria which is yet to become a state, saying the desire of the constituency is the creation of a state.
According to him, the call for the creation of Ogoja State is not about politics, but destiny and justice for the people of the old province.
“Unfortunately, Ogoja is the only old province in Nigeria at the moment that is not yet a state and the wish of all of us is for Ogoja State to be created.
“I am fully in support of Ogoja State creation. I have looked at the proposal made, even before the Constitutional Review Committee, in line with state by state processes.
“We are going to make inputs for those areas not captured, particularly those local governments that were not properly captured.
“We are going to ensure that they are captured, because I am not sure we have realised up to 20 percent of this proposal, we will come back to the National Assembly and call for a stakeholders meeting.
“A lot still has to be done; we must put our hands on deck to ensure that we support the creation of Ogoja state, which is going to bring a lot of dividends to our people,” he said.
He promised to work closely with the relevant authorities to achieve the dream.
According to him, this would bring development to the constituency. He decried a social media post that Ogoja province was not included, saying it is not true.
“How is it possible that Ogoja is not part of a purported list? From the National Assembly, it was enlisted.
“I urge journalists to always do proper investigation before reporting stories, especially as they concern the creation of states, to promote fair reportage.
“I have gone through the proposals based on local government-by-local government. It is not possible that Ogoja State is not there. So, let us not create division or tension when there is none.
“Who is the authority publishing such list? If Ogoja State is not there, it should come from us in the National Assembly, not just anybody.
“Ogoja is well captured in the proposal for the creation of new states in Nigeria. Be assured that we in the National Assembly will do everything within our powers to ensure that it is there,” he said.
The lawmaker listed his achievements in the last two years to include the building and renovation of schools, health centres and installation of solar power systems.
Others, according to him, are the construction of several roads, overhaul of primary and secondary schools and the rehabilitation of the Obudu Cattle Ranch.
Akpanke, who decried the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula oil wells to Cameroon and the transfer of 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State, said such decision adversely affected the economy of the state.
