Coastal LGAs reject state creation from A’Ibom
The Coalition of Aboriginal Coastal Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State has strongly opposed the agitation for the creation of Oro-Obolo State, reaffirming their commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Akwa Ibom State.
In a press statement issued over the weekend, the coalition — comprising Eket, Esit Eket, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Onna LGAs applauded Governor Umo Eno’s firm declaration that no new state would be carved out of Akwa Ibom under his administration.
“We restate our avowed position that Oro-Obolo State, or any other state for that matter, cannot be created on Ibibio soil,” the statement read. “Agitations for state creation must not infringe on the territorial rights of our people.”
The coalition expressed gratitude to Ifim Ibom Ibibio, the apex Ibibio traditional leadership, for mobilising Ibibios at home and abroad to oppose the proposed state, describing the move as a veiled attempt at land annexation rather than a genuine pursuit of self-determination.
They also acknowledged support from the Annang ethnic group, stating that the collective rejection of the Oro-Obolo agitation was driven by the desire to protect Akwa Ibom’s shoreline and natural resources from what they termed “an evil conspiracy.”
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According to the statement, the agitators of Oro-Obolo State are currently in court challenging the official map of Akwa Ibom State a move the coalition described as an attempt to distort the legitimate boundaries of local governments and manipulate control over strategic areas such as the Cross River estuary and Tom Shot Island.
They also applauded the administration of former Governor and current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for revoking the controversial 1990 Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) Edict, which they claimed erroneously classified villages from Eket, Esit Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Abasi under Ibeno and Eastern Obolo jurisdictions.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law of 2023, describing it as a definitive legal framework that accurately reflects the boundaries of all LGAs and effectively nullifies the Oro-Obolo statehood bid.
“This law puts to rest the agitation for a non-contiguous Oro-Obolo State on Ibibio land,” the coalition stated.
The press statement reflects deep-rooted concerns over ethnic identity, land rights, and the political future of Akwa Ibom State, as coastal communities close ranks to oppose what they view as territorial encroachment masquerading as state creation.
