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)
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of thousands of senior police officers, including two Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), 10 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 17 Commissioners of Police (CPs).
The promotions followed the successful completion of promotion examinations and oral interviews conducted by the commission.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the approvals were granted during the commission’s plenary meeting in Abuja, presided over by its Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu.
The two officers elevated to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police are Olaolu Adegbite, Head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, and Dankombo F. Morris, who heads Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi.
Adegbite holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Language from the University of Lagos and a Master’s degree in Philology from the Pushkin Institute, Moscow.
A recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), he is also a member of the FBI National Academy Associates and an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School. He previously served as Director of Operations at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Morris, an indigene of Gombe State, holds a degree in History from the University of Maiduguri and a Diploma in Police Science. He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State.
The 10 officers promoted from Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector-General are Omosanyin Olusegun, Ogbodo Ugobueze, Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe, Taylor Lennox Olanrewaju, Regina Cosmas Udoette, Afolabi Wilfred Olutokunbo, Nwogoh Martin, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, Ibrahim D. Gotan and Danjuma I. Yahaya.
The commission also approved the elevation of 17 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the rank of Commissioner of Police.
They include Nache Bashir Liman, Sirajo Lawal Salihu, Ayeleye Adegboyega, Isiaka O. Salau, Usman Shaik Adamu, Aminu Maiwada Garba, Abdulkarim Musa Waziri, Muhammad Yusuf Adamu, Sani Adamu Nufawa, Bello M. Adamu, Okezie Chikezie, Aminu Usman Gusau, Abiodun Onuoha, Salisu Bello Fago, Adegoke A. Alani, Wuwa Auwal Muhammad and Benedict U. Agbo.
In another round of promotions, 85 Assistant Commissioners of Police were elevated to Deputy Commissioners of Police.
Among the beneficiaries are Dr Ruth Oyinmearelu Okunbo, Medical Director of MD Abubakar Police Hospital, Deidei, and ASR Police Reference Hospital, Utako, Abuja; Isah Adejoh of the Police Staff College, Jos; and Mannir Yusuf Gafai of the Kano State Command.
Similarly, 49 Chief Superintendents of Police were promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police, while 245 Superintendents of Police advanced to Chief Superintendents.
Notable among those elevated to CSP are Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the Federal Capital Territory Command, and Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, spokesperson of the Adamawa State Police Command.
Other beneficiaries include Abah James of Rivers State Command, Okere Romanus of Isiowulu Division in Anambra State, Ugochukwu Ozoude Alex of Zone 9, Umuahia, Vincent Elekwa of Rivers State Command, Umar Sani of FCT Command and Mustapha Mohammed.
The PSC further approved the promotion of 498 Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendents of Police, including Isa Osu of the Border Patrol Force Headquarters, Abuja; Samaila Amadu Bangajiya of the 12 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Minna; and Akadu Godwin of the Tactical Intelligence Unit, Force Headquarters.
Another 3,218 Assistant Superintendents of Police were elevated to Deputy Superintendents.
Among them are Frank Okafor, former Chief Security Officer of Jaiz Bank and Intelligence Coordinator at Government House, Uyo; Samson Sule, Chief Security Officer to the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund; Ibrahim Abuh of Force Headquarters; Dauda Yusuf Olatunji; Sarauta Mohammed Mohammed; and Yusuf Mukarram Ado of the Airport Police Command, Ikeja.
Congratulating the newly promoted officers, Argungu charged them to see their elevation as a call to greater responsibility, professionalism and dedication to duty.
He urged them to redouble their commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and enforcing the law.
The PSC chairman stressed that Nigerians expected improved performance, discipline and accountability from officers entrusted with higher responsibilities.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Onoja Babayo Samuel over his alleged involvement in a shooting incident at Kubwa Market, Abuja, on October 25, 2026.
The Corps has also ordered an Orderly Room Trial and referred the officer to its disciplinary committee to determine his level of culpability.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC disclosed that Samuel was arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command after allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at the market.
The Corps described the alleged conduct as a gross violation of its rules of engagement and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), particularly those regulating the use of firearms.
Consequently, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the officer’s immediate suspension pending the conclusion of investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
Following the directive, Samuel has been relieved of all official duties and stripped of his responsibilities until the disciplinary process is concluded.
According to the statement, the disciplinary committee at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident alongside the Orderly Room Trial.
The NSCDC assured the public that the outcome of the proceedings would be made known upon conclusion.
Reaffirming his administration’s zero tolerance for professional misconduct and the misuse of firearms, Audi warned that no officer found culpable of violating operational guidelines would be shielded from appropriate sanctions.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives, maintaining professionalism and ensuring public safety, stressing that personnel must conduct themselves within established operational procedures at all times.
News
C’Riiver Speaker Ayambem Opens 2027 Budget Retreat, Pledges Thorough Scrutiny of Appropriation Bill
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has opened the 2027 Budget Retreat in Obudu, pledging a thorough legislative review of the proposed budget to ensure prudent resource allocation and effective service delivery.
The retreat, themed “Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” is being held at Centurion Hotel, Obudu.
Ayambem said the retreat would enable lawmakers to critically examine the 2027 Appropriation Bill, assess government spending priorities and ensure that proposed expenditures reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
He identified agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development as key sectors requiring adequate attention in the budget.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to a comprehensive and timely review of the budget estimates, emphasising the need for fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
He commended Governor Bassey Otu for maintaining a constructive relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, noting that cooperation between both institutions was essential for effective governance.
Ayambem described the annual budget retreat, sustained by the 10th Assembly for four consecutive years, as evidence of the legislature’s commitment to strengthening budgetary oversight and improving its engagement with the state’s fiscal plans.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce a responsive and people-centred budget that advances the gains of Governor Otu’s People First Administration, promotes sustainable development and translates government policies into tangible improvements in the lives of Cross River residents.
Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
October 28, 2026
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 transport allowance for workers, demanding an immediate upward review of salaries to N300,000 for the lowest-paid federal employee.
The labour union insisted that temporary financial interventions could no longer address the worsening economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers, particularly amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of essential goods and services.
In a statement jointly signed by its President-General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Comrade N. A. Toro, the TUC maintained that the Federal Government must prioritise a substantial salary increase rather than rely on transport allowances as a short-term relief measure.
The congress disclosed that it had formally communicated its position to the government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, following deliberations at its National Administrative Council meeting in Abuja.
It explained that subsequent discussions with government representatives, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had failed to produce a satisfactory resolution.
According to the TUC, there is no legal restriction preventing the government from increasing workers’ salaries ahead of negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
It consequently proposed raising the earnings of the lowest-paid federal worker from N70,000 to N300,000, with corresponding adjustments across other salary grades.
The union cited several state governments that had already increased their minimum wages beyond N100,000, arguing that the Federal Government had no justification for delaying an upward salary review.
“Negotiations of a new national minimum wage must not become an excuse for postponing urgent pay increment,” the congress declared.
The TUC also expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as the government’s failure to fully implement the N40,000 wage award agreed upon with organised labour on October 2, 2023.
It alleged that while some workers had experienced payment delays of between one and two months, others had yet to receive the award.
The congress further claimed that more than 80 per cent of states, as well as the informal sector, had not implemented any form of wage award.
Beyond salary adjustments, the labour organisation urged governments at all levels to introduce sustainable measures aimed at reducing living costs, guaranteeing prompt payment of salaries and pensions, protecting jobs and eliminating exploitative labour practices.
It equally called for renewed investment in the productive sector to stimulate employment and improve the economic conditions of Nigerian workers.
TUC Demands Implementation of JOHESU Agreement
Meanwhile, the congress has accused the Federal Government of reneging on its agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), seven months after the unions suspended their industrial action.
The TUC recalled that the agreement was reached during a conciliation meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, alongside other senior government officials.
It explained that the agreement provided for the resolution of outstanding issues concerning adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
However, the congress lamented that the government had failed to implement the agreement despite JOHESU suspending its strike in good faith.
Describing the development as a breach of trust and a threat to collective bargaining, the TUC demanded immediate implementation of the agreement, adequate budgetary provisions, a definite implementation timetable and meaningful engagement with the affected unions.
“While the workers have kept their side of the bargain, the government hasn’t kept its side of the agreement,” the statement noted.
The congress warned that health workers could not be expected to continue delivering essential services indefinitely while the government failed to honour its commitments.
It pledged solidarity with JOHESU and vowed to explore all lawful and legitimate options to compel compliance.
The TUC, however, disclosed that it would await the outcome of a scheduled meeting with government representatives before deciding on further action.
It reiterated that the welfare of Nigerian workers must remain a priority, stressing that agreements freely entered into between the government and organised labour must be respected and implemented.
Clarify N70,000 allowance versus salary
Tighten the repeated TUC attribution
Strengthen the transition to JOHESU
Five persons, including four male students and a young woman, have reportedly lost their lives in a fatal road accident involving a vehicle in the convoy of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, in Minna, the state capital.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday at Gidan Mangoro community along the Minna–Bida Road when a Hilux van attached to the governor’s convoy reportedly collided head-on with a private Peugeot 206 car.
The female victim, identified as Mrs Nafisa, was reportedly driving the Peugeot when the accident occurred. She was said to be a Programme Manager at Labspace, an NGO, and founder of Wosh Mart Service Ltd.
According to Vanguard, an eyewitness and resident of Gidan Mangoro, Abdullahi Musa, said the accident happened at approximately 11:35 a.m. while the governor and his entourage were returning from Bida.
Bago had reportedly visited the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, to commiserate with him over the death of Sagi Nupe, Hajia Aisha.
Musa alleged that the accident resulted from wrongful overtaking by the Hilux driver, claiming that the government vehicle veered into the lane of the oncoming Peugeot.
“The accident was caused by wrongful overtaking by the Hilux in the governor’s convoy. The other car was in its lane when the Hilux rammed into it,” he said.
The four male occupants of the Peugeot were suspected to be postgraduate students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
A staff member of Minna General Hospital, where the victims were evacuated, disclosed that three persons died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries.
Some of the injured victims were subsequently transferred to the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital for further medical attention.
A former local government chairman in Niger State, who was reportedly travelling in the Hilux, also sustained fractures to his legs but was said to be alive as of the time of the report.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aishat Sa’adu, said personnel of the agency arrived at the accident scene after the victims had already been evacuated.
Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the crash, stating that investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“The accident occurred this morning and we are investigating it,” Abiodun said.
The police, however, did not immediately release the identities of the deceased or officially confirm the casualty figure.
Clarify the confirmed casualty figure
Remove repeated accident attribution
Use more cautious identification language
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