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)
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
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