News
A’Ibom: Enough Is Enough, Says Oron Youth Nation Over Controversial New Map Bill
May 27th , 2023.
BEING THE TEXT OF WORLD PRESS CONFRENCE ON THE CONTROVERSIA LAW TO PROVIDE FOR A NEW MAP FOR AKWA IBOM STATE AND OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH ORGANIZED BY COALITION OF YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS ( ORON UNION YOUTH WING, ESSU NLAP ORO, AND ORO YOUTH MOVEMENT)
PROTOCOL. Gentlemen of the press, we welcome you all to this civic exercise.
PREAMBLE
We are coalition of major youth organizations in Oro Nation being Oron Union Youth Wing, Essu Nlap Oro and Oro Youth Movement (OYOM). Oro Nation (Mbo, Oron, Udung Uko, Okobo and Urue Offong/Oruko LGAs) being the third largest ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State are aware of the controversial Bill for a Law to provide for a new Map for Akwa Ibom State and other matters connected therewith. The said Bill being hurriedly passed into law on the 13th day of April, 2023 by the State House of Assembly is cited as the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023, and having been purportedly assented to by the State Governor, HE Udom Emmanuel on 20th April, 2023.
Going by the report of the Joint Committee on Lands and Housing, Boundary and Conflict Resolution and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, presented by its Chairman, Rt Hon. Sir Udo Kierian Akpan (Oruk Anam), the Bill, sponsored by Hon. David Lawrence (Eket), will, hopefully, help reduce agitations and communal conflicts, enhance and promote development within the “mapped-out boundaries”.
Furthermore, the report has also stated that “The Bill will enhance cultural affinities of the people within the boundaries and make for easy identification and placements. It will also assist in the proper identification and allocation of resources domiciled in the component units.”
Oro Youth believe the Bill was enacted on False Optimism. Despite its manifest fancies, not a few is aware of its latent perils and the rationale behind it. Infact, the large swathes of feelers available indicate that the overwhelming majority of Akwa-Ibomites are not at home with the Bill, because of its inherent biases which has threatened the riparian rights and autochthonous heritages of some territorially defined entities, including the Oro land, Ibeno and Eastern Obolo LGAs. This leaves the Oro youth in doubt and with an urgent need to question the rationale behind such a swift enactment.
REDUCTION OF AGITATION AND COMMUNAL CONFLICT
Sociologically, the map of a place has never on its own caused agitation and communal conflicts, but fear of domination or extinction, hunger, deprivation, alienation do. Instead of changing or drawing a new map to pursue vested and whimsical ends, government ought to be interested in finding a people-centric solution to the issue of communal conflict. A more sustainable approach according to a 2019 publication of Nextier SPD is to promote DIALOGUES and efficient criminal justice system as effective peaceful mechanisms for resolving communal conflicts. There is no known document that recommends a new map as a solution. It’s questionable as it is unacceptable for those involved to have conceived such a divisive idea.
PROMOTION OF DEVELOPMENT
Akwa Ibom State continues to face massive development challenges, including the need to close the infrastructure gap, build strong and effective institutions, as well as address governance issues. Closely knitted to this is the issue of lack of job opportunities which is at the core of the high poverty levels and inequality in the State, all local and international statistical data revealed that AKS is one of the poorest states in Nigeria with a high unemployment index of 48.7 as reported by National Bureau of Statistics. This is not a function of producing a new map. It is therefore wrong for the Government and hoodwinked Law makers to leave the most important development questions to pursuing covetous aims with such energy twilight to their tenure expiration. One would wonder what glories are attached to a government who promised the completion of Ibom Science Park but can not, one (1) industry per local government area of the state but can not, completion of Airport Junction/Nsit Atai/Okobo/Oron road but can not, Ibaka Deep Sea Port before the end of his tenure but can not, over a pugnacious mapping or remapping of over 3 decades old state with an existing map that has been used for several legal battles with other states.
CULTURAL AFFINITY AND IDENTIFICATION
Over the past years, the Oro people have cried to the government, begging for a deserving recognition as Oil Bearing Area. The government instead of paying attention to the cries of the Oro people instead paid attention to a map that seeks to disunite, degrade and kick out other Local Government Areas and their resources, thereby leaving them with more despair and aggrieved by their plight in a State that has been built majorly on their resources. This miscalculated strategy called remapping will instead bring about cultural dislocation and lost of resources. The reality will be a full blown boundary war (no more crisis) across the State. The Oro people can no longer afford the luxury of the grim and gloom reality that comes with war. Hence, we reject the remapping with all its skewed letters and selfish intendments.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION, PIA AND THE REMAPPING
One of the recent challenges of resource control is in the account of the seventy six oil wells dispute between the Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State in the South-South, two states even with long historical and cultural ties. It would be recalled that the Cross River State government had earlier sued the Akwa Ibom State on the land Boundary dispute as noted in the press statement of the Government of Akwa Ibom State of July 27, 2012. The case bordered on the land boundary involving twenty four villages of Oku/Itu/Ayadehe ward of Itu Local Government Area and the south estuarian boundary between the two States in a suit No. Sc.124/1999. It is important to note that it was the current map that was used in the case until Akwa Ibom State was favoured at the end of the long legal tussle.
If the same map was used to seek and get justice for the State in the year under review, why is it inappropriate to use the same map to protect the current litoral endowment of the State? Why is the remapping suddenly a desideratum not long after the PIA was introduced and subsequently assented to by the President? The negative implication could amount to a resurgent of another rounds of legal battle for the coming administration, if you say your state never had an official map so what did you used in the case under reference to own the oil wells.
We the Oro youth completely reject the wanton greed by the State arrangements to dress the sheer dry lands of their Local Governments in borrowed litoral ropes, just because they want to be beneficiaries of the 3% authorized by the PIA. Any attempt to cede any part of Oro land to another Local Governments under the pretext of remapping will be vigorously resisted.
ILLEGALITY OF THE PROCESS
Recall that Section 8 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria [as amended] gives clear credence to all matters pertaining to delineating of boundaries of Local Government Areas in Nigeria, stating unequivocally the powers of the House of Assembly in such matters.
The letters and spirit of that section of the law completely refrain the State House of Assembly or any person or agency from illegally dividing any part of the State or adjust boundaries without popular consultation and seeking consent of the Local Government Areas. If the action of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in hurriedly proposing, passing and anticipated assent to a Bill to empower the State Surveyor General to remap and/or provide a new map that only affects the litoral Local Government Areas of the State is not a deliberate attempt at marginalizing and extending the frontier of oppression beyond 2023, then it is an attempt at completely cleansing them or territorially discontinuing their existence. Such a high-levelled illegality at compromising the law to favour personal interests of those involved ultravires spacial logics, compromises communal affinity and defy even common sense. It is a birthing of an irrational act of balkanization that must not be allowed to live.
In addition to the above, it becomes necessary to note that the exercise does not meet the minimum legal requirements also called “Condition Precedent” for remapping which according to Section 8(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria includes. In much the same manner, the Oro youths cannot accept such laws since the House of Assembly did not first receive any letter for boundary adjustment supported by two thirds of members of the House of Assembly and two thirds of the Members of the Local Government Areas affected by the proposed boundary adjustment REQUESTING for such delineation and adjustment. In the face of these lapses, one wonders where those behind this clear act of contempt derived their powers from.
WHO INITIATED THE BILL AND WHY?
Questions bordering on who asked the bill to be initiated or proposed on the floor of the State House of Assembly may never be sincerely answered. This is because, to the best of our knowledge, none of the three littoral Local Government Areas, that is, Mbo, Okobo, Urue Offong/Oruko, Eastern Obolo and Ibeno Local Government Areas, has ever made a request for boundary adjustment, neither have their consent been sought to that effect.
There is no way the Oro people could have consented to putting forth such request for selective remapping of only the litoral Local Governments Areas of the State, when there is absolutely nothing wrong with the existing Map of Akwa Ibom State and when we have not received a copy of such request demanding for remapping or boundary adjustment. The desperate and vicious effort by the Lawmakers seeking to annex villages of Eastern Obolo, Ibeno and Mbo Local Government Areas into Eket, Onna, and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas smacks of greed taken too far and we reject it in all ramifications, contexts and logic.
1.6 REJECTION OF THE REMAPPING LAW:
In response to what HE Mr Udom Emmanuel said during commissioning of his Project, where he said, he introduced the State anthem, State flags, State official logo, etc why should people kick against a state map? We make bold to state categorically that we reject the law for remapping and boundary adjustment that affects Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, Okobo, Mbo and any other Local Government Areas of Oro Nation of Akwa Ibom State under any pretext or strategy. This law, devoid of popular consultation and the consent of the affected Local Government Areas, aims to marginalize and oppress our communities. We view it as a deliberate and reprehensible attempt to undermine communal ties, disregard the rule of law, and perpetuate oppression. In fact, as a matter of existentiality we join our voice with other members of the state who already called for the total rejection of such plans.
1.7 AVAILABILITY OF ORIGINAL ADMNISTRATIVE MAP FOR AKWA IBOM STATE
We view the statement of the State Governor HE Mr Udom Emmanuel as a lie, when he claimed that the 36 years old Akwa Ibom State does not have an administrative map not until a Certified True Copy of the state map was released from the office of Surveyor General of the Federation recently.
Accordingly, we call on the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, National Boundary Commission and all relevant agencies to intervene and stop any further operation to illegally cede our lands to another and to disregard any claim of proper legislative procedures.
We demand an immediate cessation of all activities related to the law and strict adherence to constitutional provisions. We urge the lawmakers to reconsider their position and work towards the betterment of our unemployed youth, deployable communities, rather than engaging in actions that sow discord and breed crises.
Furthermore, we call on the incoming Governor HE Pastor Umo Eno to annul any of such bill which is capable of fuelling anarchy and breach of law and order.
1.8 TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF OUR LAW MAKERS AND OTHER POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS
We have observed with studied attention to see the reactions of our State House of Assembly members from Oro extraction represented by the following dishonourable members (Chief Effiong Johnson (Mbo), Felicia Bassey (Okobo), Elder Effiong Bassey (Oron/Udung Uko) and Asuquo Archibong (Urue Offong/Oruko) over the criminal and broad day light attempt to balkanize their ancestral lands by their paymaster before their very eyes in the name of legislation.
Their total quietness over the matter, shows conspiracy, breach of public trust, lack of accountability and transparency. Therefore, the entire youth of Oro Nation hereby unequivocally and categorically declare and move A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE on them over their inability to rise to the occasion of defending their Fatherland in times like this.
Furthermore, the Coalition of Oro Youth has fumed seriously at the deafening silence of our Political leaders and some critical stakeholders over the vexed matter that threatens our collective existence.
Accordingly, the youth has promised that going forward they shall pay unscheduled invasion to their homes and comfort zones.
1.9 ATTEMPT TO PUSH ORO NATION TO EXTINCTION
We have observed with dismay and utter disappointment all the plans of Mr Udom to subject Oro people into extinction, this attempts are clearly manifested in the deliberate negligence of the only major access road leading to Oro Nation (Nsit Attai/Okobo/ Oron road) for over 8 years.
Deliberate attempt to relocate Ibaka Deep Seaport from the over 17m natural depth IBAKA BAY to a dug-out port to favour his current boundary adjustment plans.
Deliberate refusal of Governor Udom Emmanuel to gazette Oro Nation as Crude Oil and Natural gas bearing Communities.
1.10 CONCLUSION
The youth of Oro hereby without mincing words reject everything concerning the obnoxious and Draconian law that seeks to execute the discontinuity and deterritorialization of our God-given coastlines.
It is settled nature that anywhere boundaries have been arbitrarily redrawn; whether it is in Palestine, in the Middle East Ukraine in Europe, Ikot Umo Essien or Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom State, conflict invariably ensues. Conflict is usually adorned by violence, destruction and death. This should exercise the mind of anybody who insists on strong arm remapping, as a means of redefining the old and settled boundaries of Ibeno, Obolo and Mbo Local Government territories. That person or group is deliberately introducing acute social dislocations into our communities and thereby courting physical and karmic consequence for such wickedness upon their generations.
The Elders, youth and people of Oron Nation are peace loving, they do not covet their neighbours territories and have therefore remained at peace with them. Let it be known however, that we are also appropriately wired and capable to defend our God given territory.
WE APPEAL TO THOSE WHO ARE BLESSED WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF OUR STATE AND PLEAD THAT THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT NO ONE, BY ANY ACT OF OMISSION OR COMMISSION, SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO INTRODUCE CONFLICT AND BLOODSHED, THE END AND CONSEQUENCES OF WHICH ARE UNPREDICTABLE, INTO COMMUNITIES WHERE THERE HAS BEEN PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE.
*NOTHING CAN FIRE UP VIOLENT SELF-HELP MORE ACUTELY THAN CALLOUS AND ARBITRARY REDEFINITION OR “REMAPPING” OF ANY HUMAN TERRITORIES ANYWHERE, SUCH AS IS BEING ILLEGALLY ATTEMPTED IN THE THREE LITTORAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS MENTIONED ABOVE*
Since The 23rd of September, 1967 and after over sixteen governments manned by seasoned administrators over a period of fifty six years; from Brigadier General Udokaha Jacob Esuene in 1967, to that of deacon Udom Emmanuel which will end in less than six days, it is quite clear that all the governments, from those of the cross river state through those of Akwa Ibom State, know and have the records of the delimiting lines of every community in their States. that is how they have been administering the communities over these times. Our years of peaceful co-existence and the map from the office of the surveyor general of the federation leaves no one in any doubt of this fact.
Again, we want to leave no one in doubt, that we stand united in vehemently rejecting the contrived law for remapping and boundary adjustment which affects only the littoral Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. We call upon all relevant stakeholders, especially the State government, to respect our rights, safeguard our coastlines, and uphold the principles of justice and fairness for all the PEOPLES of this State by respecting existing and settled ancient boundaries.
On behalf of the Coalition of Oro Youth:
Dr Akaiso Oboho
Ag. International President
Essu Nlap Oro.
Comr. John Bassey
Ag. International President
Oron Union Youth Wing.
Engr Edet Eyo MNSE
President Oro Youth Movement (OYOM)May 27th , 2023.
BEING THE TEXT OF WORLD PRESS CONFRENCE ON THE CONTROVERSIA LAW TO PROVIDE FOR A NEW MAP FOR AKWA IBOM STATE AND OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH ORGANIZED BY COALITION OF YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS ( ORON UNION YOUTH WING, ESSU NLAP ORO, AND ORO YOUTH MOVEMENT)
PROTOCOL. Gentlemen of the press, we welcome you all to this civic exercise.
PREAMBLE
We are coalition of major youth organizations in Oro Nation being Oron Union Youth Wing, Essu Nlap Oro and Oro Youth Movement (OYOM). Oro Nation (Mbo, Oron, Udung Uko, Okobo and Urue Offong/Oruko LGAs) being the third largest ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State are aware of the controversial Bill for a Law to provide for a new Map for Akwa Ibom State and other matters connected therewith. The said Bill being hurriedly passed into law on the 13th day of April, 2023 by the State House of Assembly is cited as the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023, and having been purportedly assented to by the State Governor, HE Udom Emmanuel on 20th April, 2023.
Going by the report of the Joint Committee on Lands and Housing, Boundary and Conflict Resolution and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, presented by its Chairman, Rt Hon. Sir Udo Kierian Akpan (Oruk Anam), the Bill, sponsored by Hon. David Lawrence (Eket), will, hopefully, help reduce agitations and communal conflicts, enhance and promote development within the “mapped-out boundaries”.
Furthermore, the report has also stated that “The Bill will enhance cultural affinities of the people within the boundaries and make for easy identification and placements. It will also assist in the proper identification and allocation of resources domiciled in the component units.”
Oro Youth believe the Bill was enacted on False Optimism. Despite its manifest fancies, not a few is aware of its latent perils and the rationale behind it. Infact, the large swathes of feelers available indicate that the overwhelming majority of Akwa-Ibomites are not at home with the Bill, because of its inherent biases which has threatened the riparian rights and autochthonous heritages of some territorially defined entities, including the Oro land, Ibeno and Eastern Obolo LGAs. This leaves the Oro youth in doubt and with an urgent need to question the rationale behind such a swift enactment.
REDUCTION OF AGITATION AND COMMUNAL CONFLICT
Sociologically, the map of a place has never on its own caused agitation and communal conflicts, but fear of domination or extinction, hunger, deprivation, alienation do. Instead of changing or drawing a new map to pursue vested and whimsical ends, government ought to be interested in finding a people-centric solution to the issue of communal conflict. A more sustainable approach according to a 2019 publication of Nextier SPD is to promote DIALOGUES and efficient criminal justice system as effective peaceful mechanisms for resolving communal conflicts. There is no known document that recommends a new map as a solution. It’s questionable as it is unacceptable for those involved to have conceived such a divisive idea.
PROMOTION OF DEVELOPMENT
Akwa Ibom State continues to face massive development challenges, including the need to close the infrastructure gap, build strong and effective institutions, as well as address governance issues. Closely knitted to this is the issue of lack of job opportunities which is at the core of the high poverty levels and inequality in the State, all local and international statistical data revealed that AKS is one of the poorest states in Nigeria with a high unemployment index of 48.7 as reported by National Bureau of Statistics. This is not a function of producing a new map. It is therefore wrong for the Government and hoodwinked Law makers to leave the most important development questions to pursuing covetous aims with such energy twilight to their tenure expiration. One would wonder what glories are attached to a government who promised the completion of Ibom Science Park but can not, one (1) industry per local government area of the state but can not, completion of Airport Junction/Nsit Atai/Okobo/Oron road but can not, Ibaka Deep Sea Port before the end of his tenure but can not, over a pugnacious mapping or remapping of over 3 decades old state with an existing map that has been used for several legal battles with other states.
CULTURAL AFFINITY AND IDENTIFICATION
Over the past years, the Oro people have cried to the government, begging for a deserving recognition as Oil Bearing Area. The government instead of paying attention to the cries of the Oro people instead paid attention to a map that seeks to disunite, degrade and kick out other Local Government Areas and their resources, thereby leaving them with more despair and aggrieved by their plight in a State that has been built majorly on their resources. This miscalculated strategy called remapping will instead bring about cultural dislocation and lost of resources. The reality will be a full blown boundary war (no more crisis) across the State. The Oro people can no longer afford the luxury of the grim and gloom reality that comes with war. Hence, we reject the remapping with all its skewed letters and selfish intendments.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION, PIA AND THE REMAPPING
One of the recent challenges of resource control is in the account of the seventy six oil wells dispute between the Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State in the South-South, two states even with long historical and cultural ties. It would be recalled that the Cross River State government had earlier sued the Akwa Ibom State on the land Boundary dispute as noted in the press statement of the Government of Akwa Ibom State of July 27, 2012. The case bordered on the land boundary involving twenty four villages of Oku/Itu/Ayadehe ward of Itu Local Government Area and the south estuarian boundary between the two States in a suit No. Sc.124/1999. It is important to note that it was the current map that was used in the case until Akwa Ibom State was favoured at the end of the long legal tussle.
If the same map was used to seek and get justice for the State in the year under review, why is it inappropriate to use the same map to protect the current litoral endowment of the State? Why is the remapping suddenly a desideratum not long after the PIA was introduced and subsequently assented to by the President? The negative implication could amount to a resurgent of another rounds of legal battle for the coming administration, if you say your state never had an official map so what did you used in the case under reference to own the oil wells.
We the Oro youth completely reject the wanton greed by the State arrangements to dress the sheer dry lands of their Local Governments in borrowed litoral ropes, just because they want to be beneficiaries of the 3% authorized by the PIA. Any attempt to cede any part of Oro land to another Local Governments under the pretext of remapping will be vigorously resisted.
ILLEGALITY OF THE PROCESS
Recall that Section 8 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria [as amended] gives clear credence to all matters pertaining to delineating of boundaries of Local Government Areas in Nigeria, stating unequivocally the powers of the House of Assembly in such matters.
The letters and spirit of that section of the law completely refrain the State House of Assembly or any person or agency from illegally dividing any part of the State or adjust boundaries without popular consultation and seeking consent of the Local Government Areas. If the action of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in hurriedly proposing, passing and anticipated assent to a Bill to empower the State Surveyor General to remap and/or provide a new map that only affects the litoral Local Government Areas of the State is not a deliberate attempt at marginalizing and extending the frontier of oppression beyond 2023, then it is an attempt at completely cleansing them or territorially discontinuing their existence. Such a high-levelled illegality at compromising the law to favour personal interests of those involved ultravires spacial logics, compromises communal affinity and defy even common sense. It is a birthing of an irrational act of balkanization that must not be allowed to live.
In addition to the above, it becomes necessary to note that the exercise does not meet the minimum legal requirements also called “Condition Precedent” for remapping which according to Section 8(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria includes. In much the same manner, the Oro youths cannot accept such laws since the House of Assembly did not first receive any letter for boundary adjustment supported by two thirds of members of the House of Assembly and two thirds of the Members of the Local Government Areas affected by the proposed boundary adjustment REQUESTING for such delineation and adjustment. In the face of these lapses, one wonders where those behind this clear act of contempt derived their powers from.
WHO INITIATED THE BILL AND WHY?
Questions bordering on who asked the bill to be initiated or proposed on the floor of the State House of Assembly may never be sincerely answered. This is because, to the best of our knowledge, none of the three littoral Local Government Areas, that is, Mbo, Okobo, Urue Offong/Oruko, Eastern Obolo and Ibeno Local Government Areas, has ever made a request for boundary adjustment, neither have their consent been sought to that effect.
There is no way the Oro people could have consented to putting forth such request for selective remapping of only the litoral Local Governments Areas of the State, when there is absolutely nothing wrong with the existing Map of Akwa Ibom State and when we have not received a copy of such request demanding for remapping or boundary adjustment. The desperate and vicious effort by the Lawmakers seeking to annex villages of Eastern Obolo, Ibeno and Mbo Local Government Areas into Eket, Onna, and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas smacks of greed taken too far and we reject it in all ramifications, contexts and logic.
1.6 REJECTION OF THE REMAPPING LAW:
In response to what HE Mr Udom Emmanuel said during commissioning of his Project, where he said, he introduced the State anthem, State flags, State official logo, etc why should people kick against a state map? We make bold to state categorically that we reject the law for remapping and boundary adjustment that affects Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, Okobo, Mbo and any other Local Government Areas of Oro Nation of Akwa Ibom State under any pretext or strategy. This law, devoid of popular consultation and the consent of the affected Local Government Areas, aims to marginalize and oppress our communities. We view it as a deliberate and reprehensible attempt to undermine communal ties, disregard the rule of law, and perpetuate oppression. In fact, as a matter of existentiality we join our voice with other members of the state who already called for the total rejection of such plans.
1.7 AVAILABILITY OF ORIGINAL ADMNISTRATIVE MAP FOR AKWA IBOM STATE
We view the statement of the State Governor HE Mr Udom Emmanuel as a lie, when he claimed that the 36 years old Akwa Ibom State does not have an administrative map not until a Certified True Copy of the state map was released from the office of Surveyor General of the Federation recently.
Accordingly, we call on the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, National Boundary Commission and all relevant agencies to intervene and stop any further operation to illegally cede our lands to another and to disregard any claim of proper legislative procedures.
We demand an immediate cessation of all activities related to the law and strict adherence to constitutional provisions. We urge the lawmakers to reconsider their position and work towards the betterment of our unemployed youth, deployable communities, rather than engaging in actions that sow discord and breed crises.
Furthermore, we call on the incoming Governor HE Pastor Umo Eno to annul any of such bill which is capable of fuelling anarchy and breach of law and order.
1.8 TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF OUR LAW MAKERS AND OTHER POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS
We have observed with studied attention to see the reactions of our State House of Assembly members from Oro extraction represented by the following dishonourable members (Chief Effiong Johnson (Mbo), Felicia Bassey (Okobo), Elder Effiong Bassey (Oron/Udung Uko) and Asuquo Archibong (Urue Offong/Oruko) over the criminal and broad day light attempt to balkanize their ancestral lands by their paymaster before their very eyes in the name of legislation.
Their total quietness over the matter, shows conspiracy, breach of public trust, lack of accountability and transparency. Therefore, the entire youth of Oro Nation hereby unequivocally and categorically declare and move A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE on them over their inability to rise to the occasion of defending their Fatherland in times like this.
Furthermore, the Coalition of Oro Youth has fumed seriously at the deafening silence of our Political leaders and some critical stakeholders over the vexed matter that threatens our collective existence.
Accordingly, the youth has promised that going forward they shall pay unscheduled invasion to their homes and comfort zones.
1.9 ATTEMPT TO PUSH ORO NATION TO EXTINCTION
We have observed with dismay and utter disappointment all the plans of Mr Udom to subject Oro people into extinction, this attempts are clearly manifested in the deliberate negligence of the only major access road leading to Oro Nation (Nsit Attai/Okobo/ Oron road) for over 8 years.
Deliberate attempt to relocate Ibaka Deep Seaport from the over 17m natural depth IBAKA BAY to a dug-out port to favour his current boundary adjustment plans.
Deliberate refusal of Governor Udom Emmanuel to gazette Oro Nation as Crude Oil and Natural gas bearing Communities.
1.10 CONCLUSION
The youth of Oro hereby without mincing words reject everything concerning the obnoxious and Draconian law that seeks to execute the discontinuity and deterritorialization of our God-given coastlines.
It is settled nature that anywhere boundaries have been arbitrarily redrawn; whether it is in Palestine, in the Middle East Ukraine in Europe, Ikot Umo Essien or Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom State, conflict invariably ensues. Conflict is usually adorned by violence, destruction and death. This should exercise the mind of anybody who insists on strong arm remapping, as a means of redefining the old and settled boundaries of Ibeno, Obolo and Mbo Local Government territories. That person or group is deliberately introducing acute social dislocations into our communities and thereby courting physical and karmic consequence for such wickedness upon their generations.
The Elders, youth and people of Oron Nation are peace loving, they do not covet their neighbours territories and have therefore remained at peace with them. Let it be known however, that we are also appropriately wired and capable to defend our God given territory.
WE APPEAL TO THOSE WHO ARE BLESSED WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF OUR STATE AND PLEAD THAT THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT NO ONE, BY ANY ACT OF OMISSION OR COMMISSION, SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO INTRODUCE CONFLICT AND BLOODSHED, THE END AND CONSEQUENCES OF WHICH ARE UNPREDICTABLE, INTO COMMUNITIES WHERE THERE HAS BEEN PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE.
*NOTHING CAN FIRE UP VIOLENT SELF-HELP MORE ACUTELY THAN CALLOUS AND ARBITRARY REDEFINITION OR “REMAPPING” OF ANY HUMAN TERRITORIES ANYWHERE, SUCH AS IS BEING ILLEGALLY ATTEMPTED IN THE THREE LITTORAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS MENTIONED ABOVE*
Since The 23rd of September, 1967 and after over sixteen governments manned by seasoned administrators over a period of fifty six years; from Brigadier General Udokaha Jacob Esuene in 1967, to that of deacon Udom Emmanuel which will end in less than six days, it is quite clear that all the governments, from those of the cross river state through those of Akwa Ibom State, know and have the records of the delimiting lines of every community in their States. that is how they have been administering the communities over these times. Our years of peaceful co-existence and the map from the office of the surveyor general of the federation leaves no one in any doubt of this fact.
Again, we want to leave no one in doubt, that we stand united in vehemently rejecting the contrived law for remapping and boundary adjustment which affects only the littoral Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. We call upon all relevant stakeholders, especially the State government, to respect our rights, safeguard our coastlines, and uphold the principles of justice and fairness for all the PEOPLES of this State by respecting existing and settled ancient boundaries.
On behalf of the Coalition of Oro Youth:
Dr Akaiso Oboho
Ag. International President
Essu Nlap Oro.
Comr. John Bassey
Ag. International President
Oron Union Youth Wing.
Engr Edet Eyo MNSE
President Oro Youth Movement (OYOM)
By Chinedu Sabastine
ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.
The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.
The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.
The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.
The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.
Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.
“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.
Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.
“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.
“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.
Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.
Umuchigbo community rejects ‘appointed’ monarch, insists on election
By Chinedu Adonu
ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.
The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.
The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.
The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.
The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.
Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.
“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.
Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.
“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.
“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.
Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.
Umuchigbo community rejects ‘appointed’ monarch, insists on election
By Chinedu Adonu
ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.
The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.
The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.
The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.
The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.
Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.
“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.
Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.
“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.
“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.
Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.
News
The Great Recalibration: How President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Is Restructuring Nigeria for a Stronger Tomorrow
By RT HON
CHINEDUM ENYINNAYA ORJI
“You cannot build a house for tomorrow on the weak foundation of yesterday. We must lay new blocks, even when the rain is falling.”— Adapted from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Three years into his presidency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on what may be the most deliberate economic and governance recalibration Nigeria has seen in a generation.
He came into office on May 29, 2023 with a clear declaration: “Fuel subsidy is gone.” In that single sentence, he signaled that the era of deferring hard choices had ended.
Restructuring, at its core, is about rearranging the house so it can stand longer and serve more people. For Nigeria, that meant confronting distortions that had weakened public finances, scared investors, and made planning impossible.
The first pillar of this restructuring is fiscal discipline. By removing the costly petrol subsidy and cutting electricity subsidies, the administration stopped the bleeding of trillions of naira that once vanished into opaque payments.
The results are already visible in the numbers. The fiscal deficit narrowed from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to approximately 3 percent in 2024, while federation revenue rose from ₦16.8 trillion to ₦31.9 trillion.
That new revenue is not sitting idle. It is being channeled into roads, rails, power, and social programs that touch ordinary citizens directly. More than 2,700 kilometers of roads are under construction or rehabilitation nationwide.
The second pillar is monetary credibility. The unification of exchange rates and clearing of a $4 billion FX backlog restored confidence in the naira and in Nigeria’s commitment to market-based policies.
That credibility has produced tangible dividends. The stock market surged nearly fivefold to a record 250,000 points, market capitalization grew, and international rating agency Fitch upgraded Nigeria from B- to B in April 2025.
Foreign investors, who had stayed on the sidelines, are returning. New oil and gas investments are being announced, domestic refining capacity is rising, and fuel imports are falling, easing pressure on our foreign exchange.
The third pillar is sectoral transformation. Recognizing that oil alone cannot carry Nigeria’s future, President Tinubu approved a Presidential Petroleum Reform and Value Optimisation Taskforce to design the next phase of structural reforms in that sector.
The Taskforce is not another talking shop. It is a time-bound technical body charged with delivering execution-ready blueprints to unlock capital, improve transparency, and position Nigeria as a leading global energy investment destination.
Beyond oil, the February 2026 launch of the Nigeria Industrial Policy marks a decisive shift toward manufacturing, value addition, and job creation. The goal is a $1 trillion economy in five years, driven by inclusive and decentralized growth.
This is restructuring with a human face. Through NELFUND, millions of Nigerian students now have access to loans to stay in school. The CNG program is reducing transport costs and easing the burden of subsidy removal on households.
Governance itself is being rewired. The Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan is mapping economic potential across all 8,809 wards, ensuring that planning starts from the grassroots and moves upward to the state and federal levels.
Such decentralization matters. When wards have data, they have a voice. When local governments have more resources, service delivery improves. That is how accountability becomes real, not theoretical.
On security, the administration has intensified operations against banditry, insurgency, and criminal gangs. The link is clear: no investor builds factories where there is no peace, and no farmer feeds the nation where there is no safety.
A good example is the renewed engagement with Ogoni communities. By addressing historical grievances, the government is creating the conditions to restart oil exploration in a way that benefits both the people and the treasury.
Critics are right to point out the hardship. The cost-of-living squeeze has been severe, and inflation remains a challenge. But restructuring is not magic. It is medicine, and medicine often tastes bitter before it heals.
What distinguishes this moment is political will. Previous administrations discussed these reforms for decades. President Tinubu chose to act in the first week, knowing the political cost, because the economic cost of delay was higher.
The international community has noticed. The World Bank’s April 2026 Nigeria Development Update and the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Consultation both acknowledge significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability.
More importantly, Nigerians are beginning to see the logic. A stable currency means businesses can plan. More revenue to states means more projects in communities. More transparency means fewer excuses.
The central test ahead is jobs. With 3.5 million Nigerians entering the labor force each year, the restructuring must now translate into employment-intensive growth. The industrial policy and infrastructure push are designed for exactly that.
This is not about one man or one party. It is about laying a foundation that no future government can afford to ignore. Institutions, rules, and incentives are being reset.
History will judge this period not by the pain of the transition, but by whether we used the pain to build something durable. The early signs suggest we are.
President Tinubu’s restructuring is far from complete, but it has already changed the trajectory. Nigeria is no longer drifting. It is recalibrating, with purpose, toward a future where our resources work for our people, and where governance finally matches our potential.
RT HON
Chinedum Enyinnaya orji
APC House of Representatives Candidate for Ikwuano Umuahia Fed. Constituency writes from Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Abia State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the demise of its Enugu State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Franklin O Agbakoba.
This is contained in a statement issued by FRSC Deputy Corps Commander in-charge of Enugu State Operations, DCC Kyrian C Okolo, on Friday in Enugu.
“FRSC Enugu State Sector Command received the sad news of the demise of CC Franklin Agbakoba on Thursday, July 30,2026.
“The late Sector Commander died at Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu where he was receiving treatment.
“His corpse have been deposited at the Eastern Medical Center, Enugu,” he said.
Until his death,CC Franklin Agbakoba made inter-agency collaboration and partnership his legacy and promoted safer roads within Enugu State.
The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.
“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup he had no role in.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi noted that his uncle’s tenure as Head of State was brief and ended violently.
“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.
“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death resulted from his position rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.
He expressed hope that his appeal would reach those with the power to act on it.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, taking charge in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup that had claimed the lives of the country’s political leadership.
He survived that coup and helped crush the mutiny, but his later decision to centralise power under Decree 34, along with his failure to prosecute the plotters, fuelled resentment among northern officers.
He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in a mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”
The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”
The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners
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