By Ebriku John Friday
A notable group in the Old Ogoja Province, the Who Is Who Forum in Northern Cross River State (WWFNCRS) has denounced the Biafran agitation and reaffirmed it’s commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The group in a press statement condemning the actions of the authors of the Biafran agitation signed by the convener, Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, “reject any attempts to forcibly include our region in the proposed Biafran state”.
The statements reads, “We, the People of Old Ogoja Province in northern Cross River State, strongly condemn the actions of those behind the Biafran agitation, particularly the inclusion of our region in their proposed map without our consent or prior discussion. This coercive tactic is unacceptable and undermines the principles of self-determination.
“We acknowledge the right of the Biafran people and any other group to seek self-determination but emphasize that this must be pursued through peaceful and democratic means, respecting the boundaries, autonomy, choices and preferences of other regions. The actions of the authors of the agitation are not only criminal but also seditious, threatening once again, the unity and stability of our great nation.
“We, the Ogoja People, reaffirm our commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our state, Cross River. We stand united with our fellow Nigerians in promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among all regions. It is against this backdrop that our peaceful request for the creation of Ogoja State has passed second reading in the House of Representatives. This is part of the ongoing constitutional review process. Our quest is seeking our unique identity within the Nigerian polity in peaceful and progressive coexistence with the corporate Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the group restated it’s commitment to the Nigeria State, urging all to work together to build a stronger and inclusive mation.
“We therefore restate our position as follows, Rejection of Coercion: We reject any attempts to forcibly include our region in the proposed Biafran state.
“Commitment to Nigeria: We reaffirm our loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our state, Cross River.
“Peaceful Coexistence: We advocate for peaceful and democratic means of resolving
differences and promoting national unity.
“Creation of Ogoja State: We are committed to our call for the creation of Ogoja State within a peaceful, united Nigeria and part of the entity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and solicit the support of all regions towards our legitimate course.
“Let us work together to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria, where every region’s rights and interests are respected.”
