JESU KRISTI NTOL ISHOWO!
In the Bakor-Ejagham Language of Ukpe - Nkum in OGOJA, Cross River State of NIGERIA,
"Jesu Kristi Ntol Ishowo" means - "JESUS CHRIST IS GOD THE KING!" Ladies and
Gentlemen, dear Children of the Most High GOD, please welcome to the personal website of
Francis Ibe MOGU! May GOD bless you as you visit this site, Amen!!
OFFICE
(July 01, 2003 – June 30, 2009) RESIDENCE
Department of English Language and Literature, 42, Kwaluseni Circle,
University of Swaziland, University of Swaziland
Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni M201, Swaziland,
Kwaluseni M201, Swaziland, Southern Africa. Southern Africa.
Tel.: (268) 518 4011 Ext. 2553,
(Cell) +268 667 2237 Tel.: (268) 667 2237
E-mail: francismogu@yahoo.com E-mail: francismogu@yahoo.com
OFFICE (July 2009 and beyond)
Department of English and Literary Studies,
University of Calabar,
P.M.B. 1115,
Calabar – Nigeria.
Tel.: +234 706 0692 312
Email: francismogu@yahoo.com
Sex: Male
Status: Single Parent
Number of Children: One
Day/Date of Birth: Monday, April 3, 1961.
Place: Holy Family Joint Hospital, Ikom – OGOJA, NIGERIA.
Local Government Area: Ogoja
State of Origin: Cross River State
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Academic (University Lecturer /Assistant Professor)
Nigerian Address: Mr. Simon Ijing MOGU Senior’s Residence,
Ukpe Village, Nkum, OGOJA
C/o Mrs. Helen M. Idam,
No. 4, Sarki Audu Street,
Off Mission Road,
Igoli – OGOJA,
Cross River State, NIGERIA.
Alternative E-mails: ibemogu@yahoo.com
frankristij@yahoo.co.uk
EDUCATION
1999: Ph.D. English (African-American Literature), University of
Lagos, Yaba – Lagos, Nigeria – Winner of the 1997 Council for the Development
of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) Small Grants for Thesis
Writing.
1990: M.A. English & Literary Studies with Honours (African & African Diaspora Literature),
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria - First Student from the
University of Calabar to graduate with a Master’s Degree within an
Academic Year.
1988: National Youth Service Corps (N.Y.S.C.), University of Sokoto
(Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto), Sokoto State - Nigeria.
1987: B. A. English & Literary Studies with Honours
Second Class Upper Division, University of Calabar - Calabar.
1981: Higher School Certificate (Advanced Level),
Mary Knoll Secondary School, Okuku - Ogoja, Nigeria.
1979: West African School Certificate (Division Two),
Mary Knoll Secondary School, Okuku – Ogoja.
1974: First School Leaving Certificate (with Distinction),
St. Charles Primary School, Ukpe, Nkum, OGOJA,
Cross River State, NIGERIA.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
1. African-American and U.S. Literature in the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries
2. African & African Diaspora Literature (Colonial, Postcolonial to the Present)
3. Gender / Women’s Studies (Black Feminist Criticism)
4. Caribbean Literature (C18th to C20th)
5. English Literature (Medieval, Renaissance, Restoration to the Twentieth Century)
6. Critical Theory (From Plato to Contemporary Times)
PUBLICATIONS:
SOURCE TEXTS BOOKS
1. Black Male Writing and Black Female Responses in the United States by Francis Ibe Mogu (Calabar:
Centaur Publishers, 2002).
2. The Novel as a Tool for Self Assertion: A Comparison of Selected Works of Ngugi Wa Thiong’o,
Samuel Selvon and Ralph Ellison by Francis Ibe Mogu (Calabar: Centaur Publishers, 2002).
MODULES WRITING:
COMPLETED:
1. Literature in English Studies 1V: Advanced Studies in African Literature by
Lekan Oyegoke and Francis Mogu (Kwaluseni: Institute of Distance Education,
University of Swaziland, 2005).
CRITICAL JOURNAL ESSAYS
1. “Things Fall Apart Across Cultures: The Universal Significance of Chinua Achebe’s Reconstruction of
the African Heritage,” for the 34th Annual African Literature Association Conference, Western Illinois
University, Macomb, Illinois, IL. 61455, USA (April22-27, 2008). Now published in Vol. 6, No. 1 (Pp. 182-190),
Kwaluseni: Lwati Swaziland (ISSN 1813-2227).
2. “Unfettered Expression and Human Dignity: Langston Hughes’s Not Without
Laughter, The Big Sea and Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah,” in Lwati: A
Journal of Contemporary Research, Vol. 4, June 2007 (Pp.), Kwaluseni: Lwati
Swaziland (ISSN 1813-2227).
3 “Dialogue and Outrage in the Literature of the African Diaspora: Langston Hughes’s
Not Without Laughter, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and Richard Wright’s
Black Boy,” in Lwati: A Journal Of Contemporary Research, Vol. 3, June 2006 (Pp.98-
108), Kwaluseni: Lwati Swaziland (ISSN 1813-2227).
4. “The Relevance of Chinua Achebe, Langston Hughes and Ngugi Wa Thiong’o to the
African Renaissance,” for the 3rd University of Botswana International Conference on
Language & Literature, Gaborone – Botswana, June 2005, in The Study and Use of
English in Africa – Chapter 16 (London: CSP publishers, 2006).
5 “Gender as a Sign-Post to Identity: Feminist Impulse in Lucy Dlamini’s The Amaryllis
and Sembene Ousmane’s God’s Bits of Wood,” in The African Literature Journal
(Enugu: Nigeria: Chin-Ce Press, 2005).
6. “The Conflict of the West and the Centre in Chukwuemeka Ike’s The Bottled
Leopard,” in Lwati: A Journal of Contemporary Research, Vol. 1, No.1, Pp.14-19,
Manzini – Swaziland: TTI Publishing /Contemporary theory Group, June 2004.
7. “Democracy and Ethno-Racism: Citizens under Bondage in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible
Man and Timothy Aluko’s Wrong Ones in the Dock,” in Ethnicity, Citizenship and
Democracy in the United States of America, ed. Shamsudeen O. Amali, et al. (Ibadan:
Humanities Publishers 2003).
8. “Beyond the Igbo Cosmos: Achebe’s Things Fall Apart as a Cross-Cultural Novel,” in
Isi Nka: The Artistic Purpose – Chinua Achebe and the Theory of African Literature: A
Millennium Text (Chapter Four). Trenton, N.J.: Africa World Press, Inc., 2002.
9. “The Nigerian Response to American Democracy: A Review of Chinua Achebe’s A
Man of the People, Anthills of the Savannah and Richard Wright’s Native Son and
Black Boy,” in Consolidation and Sustenance of Democracy: The United States of
America and Nigeria, ed. S. O. O. Amali, et al. Ibadan: Hope Publications Ltd., 2002,
(ISBN 978-35981-9-8).
10. “Religion as a Vehicle for Cultural Cohesion: Zaynab Alkali’s The Virtuous Woman,
The Still Born and James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain,” in Religion in the
United States of America, ed. S. O. O. Amali et al. Ibadan: Hope Publications Ltd.,
2002.
11. “Corruption as a Repellant of Democracy: Achebe as the Conscience of the Nigerian
Nation,” in Twentieth Century Major African Authors, ed. Ernest Emenyonu. New
York: Africa World Press, 2002.
12. “The African Response to American Feminism – A Reading of Flora Nwapa and
Alice Walker,” in Black Women Writers Across Cultures, Chapter Five, pp. 89 – 120,
ed. Valentine James & James S. Etim, Baltimore, MD.: International Scholars Pub.,
2001.
13. “The Struggle for Conclusion in the Scheme of Things: Femi Osofisan’s
Morountodun, James Baldwin’s Blues for Mister Charlie and Lorraine Hansberry’s A
Raisin in the Sun,” in The Empowerment of the Civil Society in a Democracy: Nigeria
and the United States, ed. Oyin Ogunba. Ife: Anchor Print Ltd., 2000.
14. “Womanism as an Antidote to the Problem of Representation of Female Characters in
Works of Black Male Writers,” in Journal of Cultural Studies, Vol. 1 No. 1, ed. Joseph
Yakubu and Patrick Oloko (pp. 69 – 86), Ago-Iwoye: Ogun State University, 1999.
BOOK REVIEWS
1. Daughters of Hauwa by Mujidah T. A. A. Olaifa. Lagos: Malt-house Press, 1999 (Review Published in
“The Guardian” Newspaper (Nigeria), Monday, May 10 1999, Lagos, Page 69.)
2. Basic English for Higher Education (Part one): Structure and Composition by Richard Agbo Awubi.
Calabar: University of Calabar Press, 1998.
3. The Amaryllis by Lucy Z. Dlamini. Manzini-Swaziland: Macmillan Boleswa Publishers Ltd., 2001.
OTHER RESEARCHES AWAITING PUBLICATION:
1. “The Corruption of Indigenous African Culture through the Use of English: An Assessment of Ayi Kwei
Armah’s The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born,” for the 5th Department of English International Conference,
University of Botswana, Gaborone, June 2-4, 2009.
2. “Literacy as a Tool for Cultural Independence: Female Aspirations and Achievements in Alice Walker’s
The Color Purple and Buchi Emecheta’s Kehinde,” for the 6th Pan-African Reading for All Conference,
University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, August 10-14, 2009.
3. “Black Creativity and the Limitations of Slavery: William Wells Brown’s Clotel or The President's
Daughter, Linda Brent’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s
Cabin,” (Originally intended for the John Carter Brown Library in Rhode Island, USA).
4. “Literary Models for National Enlightenment: Langston Hughes’s Not Without Laughter and Zaynab
Alkali’s The Virtuous Woman,” for the International Reading Association 4th Pan-African Reading for All
Conference, Ezulwini – Swaziland, August 2005.
5. “Religion as a Negative and Non Sustaining Weapon in James Baldwin’s Just Above My Head and
Richard Wright’s Black Boy” (1992).
6. “Literature and Revolution: A Study of Sembene Ousmane’s God’s Bits of Wood” (1991).
7. “French Assimilation and the African: A Study of Ferdinand Oyono’s Houseboy and The Old Man and
the Medal” (1990).
8. “The Muse’s Ruminations – A Collection of Poems” (1986-1990).
9. “The Theme of Rootlessness in Four Works by Two South African Novelists – Peter Abrahams and
Alex La Guma” (B. A. Research / Graduating Project 1987, University of Calabar.)
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOP PARTICIPATION
1. Participant in the 6th Pan-African Reading for All Conference, University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania,
August 10-14, 2009 (Due soon).
2. Participant in the 5th Department of English International Conference, University of Botswana,
Gaborone, June 2-4, 2009.
3. Participant in the Annual African Literature Association (ALA) Conference at the Western Illinois
University (WIU), Macomb, Illinois, U.S.A., April 22 – 27, 2008.
4. Participant in the University of Swaziland Institute of Distance Education Residential Writers
Workshop, Orion Hotel, Piggs Peak, Swaziland, June 26 – July 1, 2006.
5. Participant in the International Reading Association 4th Pan-African Reading for all Conference, Royal
Swazi Convention Center, Ezulwini – Swaziland, July 21-26, 2005.
6. Participant at the 3rd International Conference on Language & Literature, University of Botswana,
Gaborone - Botswana, June 12-18, 2005.
7. Participant in the Seventh General Association of University Teachers of Literature and Language of
Southern Africa (ATOLL), University of Swaziland , Kwaluseni Campus, August 1 – 5, 2004.
8. Participant in the University of Swaziland Institute of Distance Education Residential Writers
Workshop, Orion Hotel, Piggs Peak, Swaziland, June 20 – 26, 2004.
9. Sole Representative from the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Twentieth (20th) American Studies
Colloquium, Goree Institute, Dakar-Senegal, May 3-7, 2003.
10. University of Calabar International Conference on African Literature and the English Language
(ICALEL) 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2002.
11. West African Association of Commonwealth Literatures and Languages (WAACLALS) – 1989, 1990,
1991, 1992.
12. Faculty of Arts Seminar Series, University of Calabar – Regular participant.
Participated in the American Studies Association of Nigeria (A.S.A.N.) Annual
Conferences and Workshops in the following places:
13. 2003 – ASAN Conference, Abuja, June 2003
14. 2002 – Pyramid Hotel, Calabar
15. 2001 – Plateau Hotel, Jos.
16. 2000 – Precious Palm Royal Hotel, Benin City.
17. 1999 – Whispering Palms Resort, Iworo – Badagry, Lagos.
18. 1996 – University of Ibadan International Conference Centre (Subsequently aborted by the Abacha
Military Regime)
19. 1995 – University of Lagos Guest Houses
20. British Council Seminar on Women Writers in the British Commonwealth, National Theater, Iganmu –
Lagos (July 1999).
PROFESSIONAL HONOURS, ACADEMIC AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS:
1. Distinguished Member, Board of Advisors, American Biographical Institute, Bur Oaks Circle, North
Carolina, U.S.A. (2000-2003).
2. Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) Grantee (1996 – 1999).
3. Research Fellow / Teaching Assistant, University of Lagos (1994 – 1998).
4. University of Calabar Research Fellowship for the Ph.D. Research (1993 – 1998).
5. University of Calabar Research Award for the M.A. Research (1989 – 1990).
COMMUNITY SERVICE
1. Editor, Lwati: Journal of Humanities, University of Swaziland,
Kwaluseni – Swaziland, 2004 – to date
2. Secretary, Financial Secretary & Publicity Secretary, Roman Catholic Community, University of Swaziland,
Kwaluseni, 2003-2005, 2006-2007, 2008-2009.
3. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria (Sokoto State), 1987 – 1988:
a. Taught at: 1. Government Day Secondary School, Talata – Mafara.
2. University of Sokoto, Sokoto.
b. Edited: The University of Sokoto Journal of Studies in Humanities
c. Participated in: The NYSC Reforestation Program, planting trees
in the Sokoto area
CONSULTANCIES
1. Institute of Distance Education, University of Swaziland (2003-2009).
2. University of Calabar (UNICAL) Consultancy (1989-1993 & 2000-2003):
a. Diploma in English
b. Remedial English Teaching
3. University of Lagos Distance Education Consultancy (1994-1999).
4. Centre for General Studies, UNICAL (1989-1993):
Use of English Language Teaching
5. Faculty of Education, Sandwich Program during semester breaks, University of Calabar, Calabar –
Nigeria (1989-1993 & 2000-2003).
MEMBERSHIP AND ACTIVITIES IN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
1 Member, African Literature Association (ALA), Center for African Studies and Research, Cornell
University, 310 Triphammer Road, Ithaca, New York, NY 14850 - 2544, U.S.A.(2008 - )
2 Member Association of University Teachers of Literature and Language in Southern Africa (ATOLL) –
2004 to date.
3 Chairman, American Studies Association of Nigeria (A.S.A.N), University of Calabar Chapter (2000 –
2003)
4 Member, Board of Advisors, American Biographical Institute, Bur Oaks Circle, North Carolina (2002-
2003)
5 Member, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Cross River State Chapter (2001-2003)
6 Member, Faculty of Arts Senate Research Grants Committee, University of Calabar (2002-2003)
7 Member, International Conference on African Literature and the English Language (ICALEL)
University of Calabar, Nigeria.
8 Member, West African Association of Commonwealth Literatures and Languages Study (WAACLALS)
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Welfare Secretary, Henry Carr Postgraduate Hall, University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos (1996-1998).
2. Secretary, Electoral Committee, Postgraduate Students Association, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba,
Lagos (1997).
3. Member, National Union of Campus Journalists, University of Calabar (1983 – 1987).
4. Secretary to the Accounts Officer (Financial Secretary), Students’ Union Government, University of
Calabar (1985 – 1986).
5. Secretary and Librarian, Current Affairs Organization, University of Calabar (1986 – 1987).
6. President, Caretaker Government, English and Literary Students Association, University of Calabar
(1984 – 1985).
TEACHING AND SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE
(I taught students and supervised their projects in the following institutions and years):
1. Lecturer (Assistant Professor of English),
University of Swaziland, South Africa (2003 – to date).
2. Lecturer (Assistant Professor of English),
University of Calabar, Calabar - Nigeria.
3. Lecturer 1 (Assistant Professor),
University of Calabar, Calabar - Nigeria (2000-2003).
a). Chief Examinations Officer, Department of English and
Literary Studies (2000-2003)
b). Member, Senate Research Grants Committee, Faculty of
Arts, University of Calabar (2001-2003).
4. Assistant Lecturer – University of Calabar (1990 – 1998).
5. Teaching Assistant – University of Calabar (1989 – 1990)
6. Teaching Assistant – Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto
7. Teaching Assistant – University of Lagos (1994 – 1998).
8. Auxiliary Teacher – Nkum Iborr Secondary Commercial School,
Alladim, Nkum - OGOJA (1982 – 1983).
COURSES TAUGHT AND SERVICE AS STUDENT’S ADVISOR:
Faculty of Humanities – Dept. of English Language & Literature, University of Swaziland, South Africa:
1. Historical Background of English Literature (ENG. 104 / IDE-ENG. 104)
2. Introduction to Critical Theory (ENG. 204 / IDE-ENG. 204)
3. Survey of English Literature (ENG. 205 / IDE-ENG. 205)
4. Modern Critical Theories (ENG. 304 / IDE-ENG. 304)
5. Advanced Studies in African Literature (IDE-ENG. 404)
6. African-American Literature through the Years – Topics in Linguistics and
Literary Studies 2 (ENG. 408B / IDE-ENG. 408B)
7. Supervision of students’ projects and theses.
Faculty of Arts – Department of English and Literary Studies,
University of Calabar, Calabar - Nigeria:
1. Survey of American Literature (ELS 4071) – 2002 - 2003
2. Caribbean Literature (ELS 3031) – 2002 - 2003
3. African-American Literature (ELS 3041)
4. African-American Literature (ELS 3042)
5. Advanced English Composition (ELS 2032) – 1999 - 2000
6. Use of English (GSS 1101) – 1989 - 2003
7. Use of English (GSS 1102) – 1989 - 2003
8. Remedial English (ELS 001) – 1999 - 2003
9. Remedial English (ELS 002) – 1999 - 2003
10. Diploma English (ELS 003) – 2001 - 2002
11. The African Novel (ELS 3011) – 1991 - 1993
12. English Composition (ELS 1011) – 1989 - 2003
13. English Composition (ELS 1012) – 1989 - 2003
14. Use of English (GSS1101) – 1989 -2003
15. Use of English (GSS1102) – 1989 - 2003
A. Faculty of Education Sandwich Program, University of Calabar:
1. African Prose (ELS 2011) – 1989 - 2003
2. African Novel (ELS 3011, 3012) – 1990 - 2003
3. Staff Advisor for third Year Students, (1991 – 1993)
4. Chief Examinations and Records Officer, Department of English
and Literary Studies (Oct. 2000 to 2003).
Teaching Assistant (and Doctoral Student): University of Lagos:
1. 1994 – 1995:
G.ST.* 105: Use of English 1
G.ST. 106: Use of English 2
2. 1995 – 1996:
G.ST. 105: Use of English 1
G.ST. 106: Use of English 2
3. 1996 – 1997:
G.ST. 105: Use of English 1
G.ST. 106: Use of English 2
4. 1997 – 1998:
G.ST. 105: Use of English 1
G.ST. 106: Use of English 2
*General Studies (G.ST.)
PART TIME ENDEAVOURS:
1. English Language Instructor - Embassy of South Korea in Nigeria,
Idejo Street, Victoria Island – Lagos (1996-1999).
2. English Language Instructor – Graduate Management Admission
Test Preparatory Classes, Brilliant Ideas Ltd., University of Lagos
Center (1995-1999).
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Personnel Officer II – Cross River State Civil Service
Commission, Calabar (1988 – 1989).
a. Secretary to the Chairman at Board and General
Commission’s Meetings.
b. Assistant Head, Recruitment Section of the Commission.
c. Secretary to the Appointments and Promotions Board of the
Civil Service Commission.
HOBBIES:
Reading widely, writing, Bible study, visiting and caring for the sick, gardening, watching television, listening to
the radio, taking photographs, watching football (soccer), basketball and athletics.
REFERENCES:
1. Professor Ernest Nneji Emenyonu, Ph.D.,
Chair, Department of Africana Studies
The University of Michigan – Flint
303, East Kearsley Street
Flint, Michigan 48502-1950, U.S.A.
Tel.: +1 810 762 3353
Fax: +1 810 766 6719
E-mails: eernest@umflint.edu,
eemenyonu@hotmail.com
2. Professor Ebele Ofoma Eko, Ph.D.
Department of English & Literary Studies,
University of Calabar,
P. M. B, 1115,
Calabar – Nigeria.
Tel.: +2348036741779
+17633839455
E-mail: ebelewa@yahoo.com
3. Professor Augustine Ogochukwuka Ofuani, Ph.D.
Head (Chairman),
Department of English Language and Literature,
University of Swaziland,
Private Bag 4,
Kwaluseni M 201,
Swaziland – Southern Africa.
Tel: + 268 664 5228
E-mail: ofuaniogo@yahoo.co.uk
4. Anthony Egrinya Eneji, Ph.D., Dr. Agr.
Professor
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology
China Agricultural University
No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road
Beijing, 100094
Peoples’ Republic of China.
Tel: +86 62733872; +86 136 81 592 744 (mobile)
E-mail = aeeneji@yahoo.co.uk
A MEMORANDUM ON THE REQUEST FOR THE
CREATION OF OGOJA STATE
PRESENTED BY
THE PEOPLE OF THE OLD OGOJA PROVINCE THROUGH THE
MOVEMENT FOR THE CREATION OF OGOJA STATE
TO THE
PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF OF THE ARMED
FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA,
ALHAJI SHEHU MUSA YAR'ADUA
AND
DISTINGUISHED SENATORS / HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF
THE FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NIGERIA
THROUGH
THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND HONOURABLE SPEAKER,
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY,
ABUJA – NIGERIA.
OCTOBER 2OO8.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Table of contents………………………………………………............. 1
Map of the Proposed State……………………………………………. 4
Summary and Conclusion……………………………………………… 5
1. OBJECTIVE…………………………………………………… 6
2. GOING IT ALONE……………………………………………. 7
3. THE STRUGGLE IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE………. 8
- Pre-Independence to 1967……………………………………..… 8
- The Cross River State Movement……………………………… 9
- The new Cross River State Movement………………………… 9
- The Ogoja State……………………………………………….... 9
4. THE CASE FOR AN OGOJA STATE
- Self-Determination…………………………………………… 10
- Ethnic and Socio-cultural Affinity…………………………….. 11
.
- Viability of the Ogoja State…………………………………... 11
- Land Mass……………………………………………………. 11
- Agriculture and Agro-Allied Industries……………………… 12
.
- Tourism……………………………………………………….. 12
- Mineral Resources…………………………………………... 12
- Hydro-Electric Power Potentials…………………………….. 14
- Population……………………………………………………. 14
- Availability of Manpower…………………………………… 14
5. OGOJA STATE/OGOJA PROVINCE……………………. 16
6. PROPOSED CONSTITUENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS…… 17
- The local Government Areas……………………………………… 17
- The State Capital…………………………………………………... 17
7. PRAYER………………………………………………………….. 18
ANNEXURE
8. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS………………………………. 20
9. SIGNATURES…………………………………………………... 21-28
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
This request acknowledges the immense task before the National Constitution Review Commission and its
States Creation Committee. A disturbing and persistent issue however, is the continued omission whereby the
original twenty-four provinces of Nigeria, except Ogoja, have been accorded the status of State. Indeed, six
other States derive from geopolitically inferior status than the old OGOJA PROVINCE. It is in the light of this
identified sense of injustice and deprivation that we, the people of OLD OGOJA PROVINCE are humbly re-
presenting this Request for the creation of an OGOJA STATE.
In its present form, the Cross River State is made up of two major socio-cultural/ethnic groups namely; the
Efik-speaking peoples of the Old Calabar Province, and the Ogoja peoples of the old Ogoja Province. The need
to preserve and separately develop the identities and economies and economic potentials of these two groups
of people dates back to the Pre-Independence struggle for the creation of the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers (COR)
State. The Rivers people gained semi-political autonomy with the creation, in1967, of the Rivers State.
Thereafter, the continuing struggle by the people of Ogoja for self-determination had resulted in two frustrating
alliances in such movements like the Cross River State Movement, and the New Cross River State
Movement. In 1987, part of what used to be Calabar Province was carved out of the Cross River State. That
part of Calabar Province now constitutes the present Akwa Ibom State.
The case for the creation of two States from the present Cross River State has been thoroughly articulated in
several documents and commissions.
It is understood and appreciated throughout the country. We are humbly seeking OFFICIAL WILL to grant
the OGOJA people an opportunity for self-determination and self-actualization. This memorandum has clearly
shown, from facts and figures, that the proposal for an Ogoja State delimited within 16,380sq.km of rich
agricultural land, and having a population of over 1.56 million people is viable. The largely untapped Tourism,
Agricultural and Mineral Resources provide a reliable base upon which to build our State. The strong case for
the creation of an OGOJA STATE revolves around the lack of a dominant ethnic group, the existence of a
common administration heritage and the socio-cultural compatibility of the several small ethnic groups. Prior to
the creation of the States in 1967, the factors of compatibility, affinity and development were paramount in the
composition of Ogoja province. These factors were undermined with the lumping together of the Old Ogoja
Province with Calabar Province to create the former South Eastern State (now Cross River State). It is the
desire of the people of Ogoja to chart the course of their destiny in a separate State. In this existing
association, our lot has been that of continued and unfulfilled expectations, inter-ethnic suspicions, frustration,
deprivation and poverty. The authors of this request are fully conscious of the desire of other minority ethnic
groups for self-determination. This request therefore is not in spite of these ethnic interests, but for the
reinforcement of the ideal of group self-determination and actualization.
We seek, indeed, to emphasize the OGOJA STATE AS THE FOCUS OF THIS REQUEST.
The proposed Ogoja State would consist of twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas (with proposed
headquarters):-
1. Obanliku (Sankwalla) 12.Obudu (Obudu)
2. Ogoja (Ogoja) 13. Afi (Edor)
3. Bekwarra (Abuochichi) 14.Ukelle (Wanokom)
4. Eastern Boki (Bateriko) 15.Yala (Okpoma)
5. Agbo (AgboCentral) 16. Ikom (Ikom)
6. Emina (Ekori) 17. Obubra (Obubra)
7. Yakurr (Ugep) 18. Bahumono (Ediba)
8. Utu gwang (Utugwang) 19. Mbube (Ekumtak)
9. Utanga (Utanga) 20. Bansara (Bansara)
10. Etung (Bendeghe) 21. Adun-Okum (Appiapum)
11. Western Boki (Boje)
In the spirit of previous states Creation exercise, it is expected that the State capital would be old provincial
Headquarters – Ogoja town.
Finally, the Request for the creation of Ogoja State seeks to permanently remove the yoke of domination,
alienation, and oppression from the fortunes of the people of old Ogoja province.
Facts
(1) Title of proposed State - OGOJA.
(2) State Capital – Ogoja Town.
(3) Population – 1. 56 million (Based on the 1991 National Census Results. Current Projections or
Estimates suggest that the actual population of the proposed OGOJA STATE is now above 2. 1 million
people).
(4) Land Area – 16380 square kilometres.
(5) Number of proposed Local Government Areas – 21 (Twenty One).
The President and Commander in Chief
of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of
Nigeria,
Alhaji Shehu Musa Yaradua.
Distinguished Senators and Members of the House of Representatives,
National Assembly,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Sirs
REQUEST FOR HE CREATION OF OGOJA STATE
1. OBJECTIVE
We the undersigned persons of Old Ogoja province, for and on behalf of ourselves and the neglected people of
Ogoja are, gratefully seizing another opportunity to represent our request for the creation of an OGOJA
STATE. Our submission herewith is the continuing struggle for self-determination and a fair share in the
political and Economic development of Nigeria. The recognition of the subject of the creation of the creation of
New States underscores the Head of State’s thorough understanding of the ever –present need to eradicate
one of the most potent causes of instability in Nigeria. The people of Ogoja, 33 years after Independence, are
still suffering from psychological social and economic bondage and neglect. All administrations have
perpetuated this status quo of neglect and deprivation, all the past federal Government administration would
appear to have colluded with forces of detraction to alienate the people of Ogoja from the political and
economic development in Nigeria. Patiently, the people of Ogoja have constitutionally continued to resist all
acts of omission and commission by the various administrations to constitute the area and people of Ogoja into
a flash-point of instability in the constitutional development of this country. It is in the same spirit of patience
and constitutionality that we are once more presenting our request for the creation of an Ogoja State.
Our request seeks to bring into a most relevant and realistic geopolitical association all of the area and peoples
of the old Ogoja province as today constitute that composite part of the Cross River State. Specifically, it
seeks to bring into one State all of the area and people of Yakurr, Abi, Obubra, Ikom, Boki, Ogoja, Yala,
Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of the present Cross River State.
2. GOING IT ALONE
Hitherto, the people of Ogoja had pursued the objective of self-determination and socio-economic development
as a joint struggle with other minority groups east of the River Niger. At the end of each phase of the struggle,
the people of Ogoja have been betrayed by our comrades acting alone, or in concert with the Federal or state
governments or government agencies, to protect vested selfish interest. In the long and sometimes bitter
struggle dating to the colonial era, the lot of our people has been that of betrayals by trusted friends, continued
frustration, neglect, deprivation, poverty and underdevelopment.
The lesson from the betrayals, and heir consequences of inhibited political and economic development in
Ogoja, is the need to GO IT ALONE in the search for self-determination. The need to ensure a sustained and
coherent struggle with terminal singleness of purpose is he imperative for an association that guarantees self-
determination in a separate State within Nigeria. The objective of achieving political and socio-economic
development can only be guaranteed by the Ogoja people, for the Ogoja people, in an OGOJA STATE
3. THE STRUGGLE IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
3.1 Pre-Independence to 1967
The struggle for the creation of the Calabar-Ogoja-River (COR) States out of the former Eastern Nigeria
predates Independence (in 1960). The struggle, which started during colonial rule, sought semi-political
autonomy for the minority groups of the Old Province of Calabar, Ogoja, and Rivers. With the creation of
twelve (12) States in Nigeria in 1967 the COR State demand ended. In that exercise, the people of Old Calabar
and Ogoja Provinces were lumped together in an intrinsically heterogeneous and amorphous south Eastern
State to the disadvantage of the Ogoja People. The Rivers State was exercised for the Rivers people.
3.2 The bitter relationship between the four major ethnic groups which were soon
to develop in the south Eastern State underscored the false basis of the forced political association. In the
unbalanced, bitter and suspicious ethnic equation, the Ibibio, Annang, and Efik all three sharing linguistic and
cultural affinity, effectively dominated the political and economic life of the State. It was only in the ratio of
sharing of the largess of State that observers noticed any hint of difference among the Ibibio, Annang, and
Efik. The area and people of Ogoja were either effectively excluded in the sharing or allowed only token and
symbolic participation.
3.3 THE CROSS RIVER STATE MOVEMENT
In the renewed struggle for a separate existence shortly afterwards, a Cross River State Movement was born.
The partners in the movement, though cultural and ethnically different, the Efik and the Ogoja, shared only the
common perception of discrimination in the South Eastern State. Their motivations for the Cross River State
movement were therefore different. The Efik being the smallest in the fraternal trinity which included the Ibibio
and Annang resented the disproportionate sharing of largess with their kit and kin. In the Cross River State
the Efik hoped for a greater sharing ratio. For their part, the Ogoja had hoped for an association, the Cross
River State, that guaranteed security against the socio-economic neglect and deprivation that was their lot in
the south Eastern State.
3.4 The struggle for the creation of the creation of the Cross River State was
undermined at the last moment when detractors, playing on the suspicions of the proponents, succeeded in
compromising the over-riding objective of the movement. For various reasons, principal among which was the
suspicion over the choice of State Capital, the case for the Cross River State was lost. Rather, the south
Eastern State was renamed the Cross River State in an exercise that created seven additional states to
produce the 19 States structure in Nigeria. Though recommended by the Commission (1975), the suspicions
and betrayals within the movement once more frustrated the hopes of the Ogoja people for a fairer share in the
political and economic development of Nigeria.
3.5 THE NEW CROSS RIVER STATE MOVEMENT
In 1979, another petition for the creation of the new Cross River State (NCRS) was submitted to the National
Assembly. The NCRS was described in that petition as comprising the people Calabar, Odukpani, Akamkpa,
Obubra, Ikom, Ogoja and Obudu. A strong case for inclusion of Oron in the NCRS, itself a divisive and
controversial proposition, was accepted by the movement for the creation of the NCRS. Despite internal
upheavals and mutual suspicion within the movement, the proponents held together in the demand for the
creation of the NCRS. Owing more to the ineffectiveness and inconsistencies of the Civilian Politics (1979-
1983), than to any faults in the movement, the NCRS was not created until the demise of the shangari
Administration in December, 1983, following the Buhari Coup-d’etat.
3.6 THE OGOJA STATE
Our first demand in 1986 for the Ogoja State was submitted to the Political Bureau, appointed by the
Babangida administration. It was another start by the people of Old Ogoja Province in the continuing struggle
for self-determination. The focus of that demand was the creation of two States out of the old Provinces of
Calabar and Ogoja respectively. In 1987, part of Calabar Province was carved out to form the present Akwa
Ibom State. The other part, together with all of Old Ogoja province now constitutes the present Cross River
State. In its present form it is a yoke with a structure that is incompatible with the spirit of self-determination of
the people of Ogoja. This request recognizes the deficiencies and weaknesses of past movements in the
struggle for political and socio-economic identity of the people of Ogoja. The authors are also fully conscious
that the continuous alienation of the people of Ogoja by the Federal Government has its roots in the ethnic, as
well in the majority/minority politics of Nigeria. We therefore, seek to be carved out into an Ogoja State where
ethnicity and the politics of numbers are rendered irrelevant and inapplicable, by the absence of a dominant
ethnic group, and the existence of an old heritage of cultural and socio-economic affinity. Our request seeks to
complete the process, started in 1967, of creating States from the former Provinces of the Federation. Further,
we seek to emphasize the old Ogoja Province as the focal point of this request for a new State out of the
present Cross River State.
4. THE CASE FOR AN OGOJA STATE
4.1 Self-Determination
It is time for the people of Ogoja to take their destiny in their hands. Through persistent neglect and
deprivation, the entire area referred to as the Old Ogoja Province has remained the most backward and least
developed part of Nigeria. There is noticeably neither the State nor Federal Presence in the Old Ogoja
Province; an area covering over 16,380sq.km. There is a complete absence of any industrial base in terms of
government- owned factories and infrastructure. The private sector is mainly a roll-call of subsistent farmers,
petty traders, and petty contractors. This situation contrast sharply with the position in the remaining part of
the Old Calabar province where the list of government-owned factories and institutions include:-
1. CREL Factory
2. Calabar Cement Factory (Calabar)
3. Eastern Match Industry (Calabar)
4. Seromwood Industry (Calabar)
5. Calvenply (Calabar)
6. State Secretariat, and Headquarters
of State-owned Parastatals (Calabar)
7. The Margaret Ekpo International Airport (Calabar)
8. The Seaport (Calabar)
9. The Export Processing Zone (Calabar)
10. The NNPC Tank Farm (Calabar
11. The Cross River University of Technology (Main Campus), Calabar
12. The University of Calabar (Calabar)
13. Military Installations – Army, Navy, Airforce (Calabar)
14. The College of Education, Akamkpa
15. Fruit juice, Odukpani
16. Poly Rub, Akamkpa
17. Flour Mill, Calabar
18. Tinapa Duty Free Zone
19. The Orascom Cement Factory (Calabar Zone).
4.2 Since the creation of the South Eastern State (much of which is now Cross River State), the
dominant position of the indigenes of the Old Calabar Province in Government has assured them the firm
control of the flow of capital and domination of the State’s economy. As a result, the private sector in Ogoja is
non- existent
4.3 The tale of neglect spans all aspects of the life of Ogoja, from lack of roads to the neglect of existing
ones; from the almost non-existent health care delivery system to the poor staffing of, and lack of learning or
teaching aids in the community-built schools.
4.4 For too long, the Ogoja people have left their destinies in the hangs of others. For another chance, we
are craving to be given an opportunity to run our affairs.
4.5 ETHNIC AND SOCIO-CULTURAL AFFINITY
The people of Ogoja share a common heritage. The several small ethnic groups distributed over 16380sq.km.
share ethnic and socio-cultural affinity. Above all, we enjoy a common administration from the colonial era.
4.6 The major dialectical groups include Bette, Becheva, Sankwalla, Bekwarra, Etung, Boki, Ejagham,
Yala, Yache, Gabu, Olulumo, Yakurr, Mbebe, Bahumuno, and Agbo. None of these dialectical groups is big
enough to dominate the others. Rather, Pidgin English is generally spoken as the dominant language of the
people. The absence of a dominant factor among the ethnic groups, the common socio-cultural and
administrative heritage, and the adoption of Pidgin English as a lingua-Franca all provide the solid foundation
on which to build a peaceful and prosperous State.
4.7 VIABILITY OF THE OGOJA STATE
(i) Viability Established
The entire comprising the area and people of Ogoja was considered viable enough to be constituted into one of
the 24 (twenty four) provinces of colonial Nigeria. It was viable enough to stay as a Province until May, 1967,
when it was lumped with Calabar Province to form the Cross River State (the South Eastern State). Indeed, all
of the former provinces except Ogoja Province were constituted into States. The decision for lumping Ogoja
with Calabar in the South Eastern State derives more from miscalculations of the ethnic relationships, and a
false perception of the compatibility of the ethnic constituents than from economic consideration.
(ii) Land Mass
The proposed Ogoja State lies between latitude 5degrees 40’N and 7degrees 00N and longitudes 8degrees E
and 10degrees E: and form the northern half of the present Cross River State. It is bounded to the North by
Benue State, West by Enugu and Abia State, to the South by Biase and Akamkpa LGAs. and to the East by
the Republic of Cameroon.
From all economic and demographic considerations, Ogoja Province is viable enough to be constituted into a
State. With a land mass of 16,380 sq. km, Ogoja Province is larger than seven (7) States of the United States of
America whose land areas range from 1,942sq.km. (for Rhode island) to 13,211 sq. km (for Massachusetts).
Indeed, Ogoja Province is larger than or compares favourably with several member countries of the United
Nations among which are the Bahamas (13,935 sq. km), and even Jamaica (11,424 sq. km). Infact, the
proposed Ogoja State is larger than Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Delta and Edo States and
compares favourably in size with several newly created States.
(iii) Agricultural and Agro-allied Industries
The proposed Ogoja State with a landmass of 16,380sq. km possesses climatic, soil and vegetation conditions
that provide tremendous agricultural and Agro-Allied industrial potentials.
About 20% of the land area of the proposed State consist of forests located at the Southern parts such as
Ugep, Obubra, Ikom, Boki, while, a large part of the Ogoja region consist of grassland or savanna at places
such as Ogoja, Obudu, Obanliku etc.This variety of soils and vegetation makes possible the cultivation of an
equally wide variety of agricultural produce ranging from food to cash crops. The food crops grown include
Yams, Cassava, Cocoyam, and Maize, Beans, Rice, Millet and several market garden crops. While some of
the cash crops that thrive well in the region include cocoa, rubber, palm-oil, kola nuts, bananas, plantains,
coffee etc.
The Cross River Basin (consisting of the Cross River flowing through Ikom, Obubra, Ugep areas and other
smaller rivers & streams) offers a suitable agricultural potentials which together with the generally good
cultivable land of the State can be harnessed for plantation agriculture and for Agro-Allied industries given
adequate political and associated economic institutions through an Ogoja State.
The Obudu Cattle Ranch provides immense facilities for livestock farming or ranching. The vast luxuriant
grassland provides grazing pasture for a variety of livestock including goats, sheep and cattle.
(iv) Tourism
The Obudu Ranch Resort has become a foremost destination for local and international tourists. It is presently
the number one tourist destination in Nigeria and with greater commitment on the part of stake holders, could
become Africa’s foremost resort for tourism. With its breath taking amenities and infrastructure that are amply
cushioned on the universally acclaimed generosity of the indigenous people within the area, this facility is
indeed, world class and could be further enhanced for greater excellence. The Obudu Cattle Ranch is naturally
endowed with an intrinsic capacity to yield at least US$100 billion annually from agriculture and tourism.
Other resources include the natural land formations and forest which, in themselves, are assets to the
development of Agriculture and Tourism in Ogoja. The Kanyang Wild Life Reserves, Agbokim Waterfall and
the Alok Monoliths can be developed into havens with handsome annual economic returns to Ogoja State. So
far, the skewed policies of the various administrations (since 1967) which derive from the ethnic perception of
economic development have stultified the development of agricultural and tourist industries in Ogoja.
(v) Mineral Resources
The mineral resources base of Ogoja portends an economically viable State. Established mineral reserves
include: (a) Crude Oil in Commercial quantity (tested and proven) at Ishi-Aya, Ibil and other surrounding areas
in the Ogoja Local Government Area.
(b) Limestones at Ugep to support a viable cement plant.
The limestones would provide raw materials for a lime plant to service the steel, glass, paint, and agricultural
industries.
(c) Quartz/Basal/Quartzite in Obudu, Ogoja, Yala and Ikom; would
support a glass and glassware industry.
(d) Salt Deposits in Yala, Boki and Ikom; would adequately support the
commercial production of common salt for the home and industry. The demand for common salt is underscored
by the huge requirements of the petrochemical industries which are estimated at 500,000 metric tones annually
from 1987. In addition, the salt deposits offer opportunities for the development of the Soda, Potash and
Chlorine gas factories.
(e) Gypsum, found in Ikom, Ogoja, Yala and Obudu; is an important
requirement of the Cement industries; used in the making of plaster of paris; and is important in the production
of fertilizers.
All of the above minerals are important in the daily lives of the individual and the nation. The development of a
State’s economy on the exploitation of these deposits will ensure viability and the overall development of the
State.
(vi) Hydro-Electric Power Potential
The Cross River which rises from the Republic of Cameroon and flows into the proposed Ogoja State through
Ikom, Obubra with an annual discharge (recorded over a period of 12 years (1972-83) of 10763.28 cubic metres
(cumecs) at Ikom 16281 cumecs at Obubra combined with the Agbokim waterfall at Ikom is one of the greatest
Nigeria rivers with great H.E.P potentials which with proper management & establishment of appropriate
institutional framework with the governments of the surrounding Republic of Cameroon and other States and
LGAs in Nigeria in the form of the establishment of a Cross River Basin (International) Commission is
capable of producing electrical power necessary for the various industrial & economic activities boosting the
agricultural and tourism industries, thus contributing immensely to national development. This is a fact which
has been acknowledged by the appropriate authorities (NEPA) but has been ignored as part of the general
neglect of the Ogoja region.
(vii) Population
In the helpless circumstances we have always found ourselves, population figures have always been under-
estimated by majority group interests in order to perpetuate the negative geopolitics of development in Ogoja.
In spite of this, the present population, estimated at 2,560,000 people, is distributed over 16,380 sq. km. of
land. This allows a population density of 96 persons per square kilometer. The demographic factor of low
population density (i.e. ratio of population to land mass) in Ogoja facilitates agricultural development, promotes
good neighborliness, and enhances peace and stability. In terms of sheer population size, Ogoja is larger than
12 States of the United States of America with between 300,000 and 800,000 inhabitants.
Furthermore, at a population size of over one million inhabitants it is larger than several member States of the
United Nations viz:
Bahamas (205,000), Barbados (251,000), Belize (137,200), Grenada (109,000), and Guyana (884,000).
The population of the proposed Ogoja State compares favorably with those of Niger (1,200,000), Ogon State
(1,600,000), and Rivers (1,700,000) States. (1963 population figures projected to 1980). This document
acknowledges the 1991 population Census figures, but it also acknowledges the controversy surrounding
figures in some areas, especially that of the present Cross River State.
(viii) Availability of Manpower
There will be no shortage of manpower for the services of an Ogoja State. Presently, there is a surfeit of
University graduates in Ogoja. In the service of the Cross River State Government there are at least 30 top
civil servants of the level 16 cadre and above.
These are adequate to start off any administration. It is further estimated that at least 550 indigenes of Ogoja
graduate every year from the University and other institutions of higher learning. Indeed, there is more
developed and skilled manpower in the Old Ogoja Province than in several States of the Federation.
At 1,560,000 (2.560,000 million current projections) inhabitants spread over 16,380 sq. km. of land there is a
guaranteed labour force to satisfy the demands of the dominant occupation and invested, which is Agriculture.
4.8 the case or justification for the creation of an Ogoja State is predicated on
unassailable arguments of self-determination and viability. We have humbly shown, from facts and figures
around Nigeria and the world, that all considerations bear out the demand for an Ogoja State. As a people,
Ogoja has a destiny. The arrival of this destiny, we believe, is only being delayed. We are, this time around,
addressing our Request, not to politicians, but to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
of Nigeria. We are therefore, relying on the objectively and the proven sense of good judgment of the
President himself. It is the desire of the people of Ogoja that the merit of our case which derives from
humanitarian considerations be the guide in the consideration of our Request.
5. OGOJA STATE / OGOJA PROVINCE
5.1 The Signatories to the Request for an Ogoja State are fully conscious of the achievement of the
Federal Government in changing the political structure of Nigeria. The main thrust of the argument in favour of
the return to the 24 (twenty four) provinces had evolved around the identification, delimitation and grouping of
compatible and culturally related ethnic groups in the Provincial system. Specifically, Ogoja Province as at
1967, was without Abakaliki and Afikpo, which had, hitherto, been the unrelated constituents of the then Ogoja
Province. In an earlier restructuring exercise, Abakaliki and Afikpo had been excised from Ogoja Province in
order to give effect and meaning to the compatibility, affinity and the development of the people of Obudu,
Ogoja, Ikom and Obubra.
5.2 The lumping of Ogoja Province (described as Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom and Obubra) Calabar Province in the
1967 State creation exercise was a retrogressive step imposed on the people of Ogoja. From semi-autonomy in
an Ogoja Province, we were forced into another era of subservience in an association with the Efik-speaking
people of Old Calabar Province in what was called the south Eastern State.
5.3 As a Province, Ogoja enjoyed a political status that equals existing States namely, Bauchi (Bauchi
State), Gongola (now Adamawa and Taraba), Borno (Borno and Yobe States), Benue (Benue State), Illorin,
Kabba, Kano (Jigawa States), Katsina (Katsina State), Niger (Niger State), Plateau (Plateau State), Sokoto
(Sokoto (Sokoto and Kebbi States), Zaria (Kaduna State), Abeokuta (Ogun State), Benin (Edo and Delta
States), Ijebu, Ondo (Ondo State), Imo (Imo and Abia State), Anambra (Anambra, Enugu States), and Oyo
(Oyo, Oshun States).
5.4 What the Ogoja people want now is semi-political autonomy to enable us to chart the course of our
destiny.
5.5 We decry the loss of equality and self-determination by the annulment of the Ogoja Province in 1967.
We decry the incompatibility inherent in our present association in the Cross River State. We seek to regain
the opportunity we lost with the creation of the southern Eastern State in 1967. We seek the restoration of
Ogoja to the status we occupied among the twenty four (24) Provinces of Nigeria prior to May 27, 1967.
5.6 There are two distinct groups in the Cross River State namely; the Efik-speaking people, of Old
Calabar Province and the Ogoja people of Old Ogoja Province. The issue therefore, is clearly the creation of
two States from Cross River State. The approximate geo-political boundaries are clear. We pray the Head of
State to create the States along these boundaries.
6. PROPOSED CONSTITUENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
6.1 The Local Government Areas
Presently, the area of interest, which extends from Ugep in the south to Obanliku in the north consist of nine
(9) Local Government Areas. The nine existing Local Government areas include, from North to South,
Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, Yala, Boki, Ikom, Obubra, Yakurr, and Abi. Other major centres of population and
areas to constituted into separate Local Government Areas include from North to South, Bekwarra, Ukelle,
Afi, Eastern Boki; Western Boki;Agbo; Bansara; Mbube, Etung, Utugwang, Utanga, Adun-Okum and Emina.
6.2 Each of these suggested development areas is inhabited by at least 111,429
homogenous people with a common dialect; each area covers at least 1170 sq. km of fertile agricultural land;
and further, the people of each area share a common socio-cultural and administrative heritage. We are,
therefore humbly presenting a Request for the creation of twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas from
these Areas.
6.3 At the end of the exercise, the proposed Ogoja State would consist of
twenty-one Local Government Areas namely; Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra, Ogoja, Yala, Ukelle, Agbo; Eastern
Boki; Ikom, Afi, Obubra, Yakurr, Emina Bahumono Western Boki; Utugwang; Mbube; Utanga; Bansara;
Etung and Adun-Okum.
6.4 THE STATE CAPITAL
We are fully conscious of Security and Economic implications in the choice of a State Capital. We are however,
reconciled to the singleness of our purpose and the resolve to attain our goals, by offering our full cooperation
to the Presidency and the Committee in the discharge of the requested State creation exercise.
6.5 In our diversity, we have found a common identity in being called, addressed,
and treated as Ogoja people. In the State, as in the rest of the country, the calm, honest, and friendly
disposition of the Ogoja man is characteristic. From the physical to the psychological profile, we are easily
identified as Ogoja people. It is therefore, a unanimous proposition that the issue of a State Capital be
considered within the context of the precedence, as well as the overall security and economic implications to
the Nation.
6.6 Our Request, thus seeks an Ogoja State having twenty-one (21) Local
Government Areas, with OGOJA Town as the State Capital.
7. PRAYER
Whereas, we have clearly demonstrated a persistent and peaceful quest for a separate State for the people of
Ogoja;
Whereas, we have demonstrated with facts and figures that the Ogoja State is as
viable as any existing State;
Whereas, we have demonstrated, and the available statistics also demonstrate, the complete neglect of the
area and the peoples of Ogoja by both the Federal and State Administrations;
Whereas, we are satisfied that the destiny of the people of Ogoja can only be charted by the people of Ogoja
for the people of Ogoja, in a separate Ogoja State;
Whereas, the approximate geo-political boundaries of the Old Ogoja Province are clear;
Whereas, there is unanimity in the quest for a separate State, having twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas;
Whereas, through the political development of Nigeria, the people of Ogoja have made enormous sacrifices for
the maintenance of peace and the territorial integrity of our Nation;
Whereas, our Request seeks to permanently afford the Ogoja people the right environment for self-
determination and actualization;
We, the undersigned persons of the Old Ogoja Province and on behalf of the people of the Old Ogoja Province
and ourselves, humbly pray the President and the National Assembly to favourably consider our Request for
the creation of the OGOJA STATE.
Thank you very kindly for the opportunity given us to address our Request to the President and National
Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yours very sincerely,
(For and on behalf of the People
of the Old OGOJA Province).
MAP OF THE PROPOSED OGOJA STATE IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS AND CONSTITUENT WARDS:
1. AGBO Itigidi, Adadama, Ekureku 1, Ekureku 11, Imabana & Ikpalegwa
2. YAKURR Bikobiko, Ijiman, Ijom, Ikpakpitt, Idomi.
3. EMINA Inyima, Ajere, Afrekpe/Epenti, Ntan, Abanakpai, Nkpolo/Ukpawen, Mkpani /Agoi and Assiga.
4. OBUBRA Appiapum; Ofumbongha/Yala, Obubra Urban.
5. EASTERN BOKI Bateriko, Beebo/Bumaji, Katchuan, Bunyia/Okubuchi
6. WESTERN BOKI Abo Boje, Ogep Osokom, Ekpashi Osokom, Kakwagom/Bawop & Oku/Borum, Njua
7. IKOM Ikom Urban, Yala-Ikom, Olulumo, Ofutop.
8. AFI Nde, Nta/Nselle & Nnam/Abanyum
9. ETUNG Northern Etung; Southern Etung
10. BAHUMONO Ediba, Ebom, Afafanyi/ Igonigoni, Usumutong
11. UTANGA Utanga, Basang, Becheve
12. ADUN-OKOM Adun, Ochon, Ofodua, Ovonum, Ababene, Appiapum
13. OBANLIKU Bebi, Bishiri North, Bishiri South, Bisu; Basang, Busi, Bendi 1, Bendi II, Becheve & Utanga
14. OBUDU Urban 1, Urban 11, Ipong, Begiading, Afriaba/Betiaka,
CONSTITUENT WARDS
15. OGOJA Urban 1, Urban 11, Nkum Iborr, Nkum Irede, Ndok.
16. BEKWARRA Afrike, Abuochiche1, Abuochiche 11, Gakem.
17. YALA Okpoma, Yahe, Okuku, Echumofana, Gabu,
18. UKELLE Wanokom, Wanihem, Wanikade, & Mfuma / Izilaga
19. UTUGWANG Utugwang North, Utugwang Central, Utugwang South, Alege/Ubang; Ukpe
20. MBUBE Idum, Ekumtak, Odajie, Egbe, Ojirim, Ogberia, Nkim
21. BANSARA Bansara, Mfom 1 & 11, Nwang, Mbok, Emandak.
May GOD Almighty bless all positively objective viewers
of this humble, but emerging website, Amen! Thanks and
cheers! Francis Sidney Ibe MOGU, Ph.D.
In the Bakor-Ejagham Language of Ukpe - Nkum in OGOJA, Cross River State of NIGERIA,
"Jesu Kristi Ntol Ishowo" means - "JESUS CHRIST IS GOD THE KING!" Ladies and
Gentlemen, dear Children of the Most High GOD, please welcome to the personal website of
Francis Ibe MOGU! May GOD bless you as you visit this site, Amen!!
OFFICE
(July 01, 2003 – June 30, 2009) RESIDENCE
Department of English Language and Literature, 42, Kwaluseni Circle,
University of Swaziland, University of Swaziland
Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni M201, Swaziland,
Kwaluseni M201, Swaziland, Southern Africa. Southern Africa.
Tel.: (268) 518 4011 Ext. 2553,
(Cell) +268 667 2237 Tel.: (268) 667 2237
E-mail: francismogu@yahoo.com E-mail: francismogu@yahoo.com
OFFICE (July 2009 and beyond)
Department of English and Literary Studies,
University of Calabar,
P.M.B. 1115,
Calabar – Nigeria.
Tel.: +234 706 0692 312
Email: francismogu@yahoo.com
Sex: Male
Status: Single Parent
Number of Children: One
Day/Date of Birth: Monday, April 3, 1961.
Place: Holy Family Joint Hospital, Ikom – OGOJA, NIGERIA.
Local Government Area: Ogoja
State of Origin: Cross River State
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Academic (University Lecturer /Assistant Professor)
Nigerian Address: Mr. Simon Ijing MOGU Senior’s Residence,
Ukpe Village, Nkum, OGOJA
C/o Mrs. Helen M. Idam,
No. 4, Sarki Audu Street,
Off Mission Road,
Igoli – OGOJA,
Cross River State, NIGERIA.
Alternative E-mails: ibemogu@yahoo.com
frankristij@yahoo.co.uk
EDUCATION
1999: Ph.D. English (African-American Literature), University of
Lagos, Yaba – Lagos, Nigeria – Winner of the 1997 Council for the Development
of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) Small Grants for Thesis
Writing.
1990: M.A. English & Literary Studies with Honours (African & African Diaspora Literature),
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria - First Student from the
University of Calabar to graduate with a Master’s Degree within an
Academic Year.
1988: National Youth Service Corps (N.Y.S.C.), University of Sokoto
(Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto), Sokoto State - Nigeria.
1987: B. A. English & Literary Studies with Honours
Second Class Upper Division, University of Calabar - Calabar.
1981: Higher School Certificate (Advanced Level),
Mary Knoll Secondary School, Okuku - Ogoja, Nigeria.
1979: West African School Certificate (Division Two),
Mary Knoll Secondary School, Okuku – Ogoja.
1974: First School Leaving Certificate (with Distinction),
St. Charles Primary School, Ukpe, Nkum, OGOJA,
Cross River State, NIGERIA.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
1. African-American and U.S. Literature in the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries
2. African & African Diaspora Literature (Colonial, Postcolonial to the Present)
3. Gender / Women’s Studies (Black Feminist Criticism)
4. Caribbean Literature (C18th to C20th)
5. English Literature (Medieval, Renaissance, Restoration to the Twentieth Century)
6. Critical Theory (From Plato to Contemporary Times)
PUBLICATIONS:
SOURCE TEXTS BOOKS
1. Black Male Writing and Black Female Responses in the United States by Francis Ibe Mogu (Calabar:
Centaur Publishers, 2002).
2. The Novel as a Tool for Self Assertion: A Comparison of Selected Works of Ngugi Wa Thiong’o,
Samuel Selvon and Ralph Ellison by Francis Ibe Mogu (Calabar: Centaur Publishers, 2002).
MODULES WRITING:
COMPLETED:
1. Literature in English Studies 1V: Advanced Studies in African Literature by
Lekan Oyegoke and Francis Mogu (Kwaluseni: Institute of Distance Education,
University of Swaziland, 2005).
CRITICAL JOURNAL ESSAYS
1. “Things Fall Apart Across Cultures: The Universal Significance of Chinua Achebe’s Reconstruction of
the African Heritage,” for the 34th Annual African Literature Association Conference, Western Illinois
University, Macomb, Illinois, IL. 61455, USA (April22-27, 2008). Now published in Vol. 6, No. 1 (Pp. 182-190),
Kwaluseni: Lwati Swaziland (ISSN 1813-2227).
2. “Unfettered Expression and Human Dignity: Langston Hughes’s Not Without
Laughter, The Big Sea and Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah,” in Lwati: A
Journal of Contemporary Research, Vol. 4, June 2007 (Pp.), Kwaluseni: Lwati
Swaziland (ISSN 1813-2227).
3 “Dialogue and Outrage in the Literature of the African Diaspora: Langston Hughes’s
Not Without Laughter, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and Richard Wright’s
Black Boy,” in Lwati: A Journal Of Contemporary Research, Vol. 3, June 2006 (Pp.98-
108), Kwaluseni: Lwati Swaziland (ISSN 1813-2227).
4. “The Relevance of Chinua Achebe, Langston Hughes and Ngugi Wa Thiong’o to the
African Renaissance,” for the 3rd University of Botswana International Conference on
Language & Literature, Gaborone – Botswana, June 2005, in The Study and Use of
English in Africa – Chapter 16 (London: CSP publishers, 2006).
5 “Gender as a Sign-Post to Identity: Feminist Impulse in Lucy Dlamini’s The Amaryllis
and Sembene Ousmane’s God’s Bits of Wood,” in The African Literature Journal
(Enugu: Nigeria: Chin-Ce Press, 2005).
6. “The Conflict of the West and the Centre in Chukwuemeka Ike’s The Bottled
Leopard,” in Lwati: A Journal of Contemporary Research, Vol. 1, No.1, Pp.14-19,
Manzini – Swaziland: TTI Publishing /Contemporary theory Group, June 2004.
7. “Democracy and Ethno-Racism: Citizens under Bondage in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible
Man and Timothy Aluko’s Wrong Ones in the Dock,” in Ethnicity, Citizenship and
Democracy in the United States of America, ed. Shamsudeen O. Amali, et al. (Ibadan:
Humanities Publishers 2003).
8. “Beyond the Igbo Cosmos: Achebe’s Things Fall Apart as a Cross-Cultural Novel,” in
Isi Nka: The Artistic Purpose – Chinua Achebe and the Theory of African Literature: A
Millennium Text (Chapter Four). Trenton, N.J.: Africa World Press, Inc., 2002.
9. “The Nigerian Response to American Democracy: A Review of Chinua Achebe’s A
Man of the People, Anthills of the Savannah and Richard Wright’s Native Son and
Black Boy,” in Consolidation and Sustenance of Democracy: The United States of
America and Nigeria, ed. S. O. O. Amali, et al. Ibadan: Hope Publications Ltd., 2002,
(ISBN 978-35981-9-8).
10. “Religion as a Vehicle for Cultural Cohesion: Zaynab Alkali’s The Virtuous Woman,
The Still Born and James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain,” in Religion in the
United States of America, ed. S. O. O. Amali et al. Ibadan: Hope Publications Ltd.,
2002.
11. “Corruption as a Repellant of Democracy: Achebe as the Conscience of the Nigerian
Nation,” in Twentieth Century Major African Authors, ed. Ernest Emenyonu. New
York: Africa World Press, 2002.
12. “The African Response to American Feminism – A Reading of Flora Nwapa and
Alice Walker,” in Black Women Writers Across Cultures, Chapter Five, pp. 89 – 120,
ed. Valentine James & James S. Etim, Baltimore, MD.: International Scholars Pub.,
2001.
13. “The Struggle for Conclusion in the Scheme of Things: Femi Osofisan’s
Morountodun, James Baldwin’s Blues for Mister Charlie and Lorraine Hansberry’s A
Raisin in the Sun,” in The Empowerment of the Civil Society in a Democracy: Nigeria
and the United States, ed. Oyin Ogunba. Ife: Anchor Print Ltd., 2000.
14. “Womanism as an Antidote to the Problem of Representation of Female Characters in
Works of Black Male Writers,” in Journal of Cultural Studies, Vol. 1 No. 1, ed. Joseph
Yakubu and Patrick Oloko (pp. 69 – 86), Ago-Iwoye: Ogun State University, 1999.
BOOK REVIEWS
1. Daughters of Hauwa by Mujidah T. A. A. Olaifa. Lagos: Malt-house Press, 1999 (Review Published in
“The Guardian” Newspaper (Nigeria), Monday, May 10 1999, Lagos, Page 69.)
2. Basic English for Higher Education (Part one): Structure and Composition by Richard Agbo Awubi.
Calabar: University of Calabar Press, 1998.
3. The Amaryllis by Lucy Z. Dlamini. Manzini-Swaziland: Macmillan Boleswa Publishers Ltd., 2001.
OTHER RESEARCHES AWAITING PUBLICATION:
1. “The Corruption of Indigenous African Culture through the Use of English: An Assessment of Ayi Kwei
Armah’s The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born,” for the 5th Department of English International Conference,
University of Botswana, Gaborone, June 2-4, 2009.
2. “Literacy as a Tool for Cultural Independence: Female Aspirations and Achievements in Alice Walker’s
The Color Purple and Buchi Emecheta’s Kehinde,” for the 6th Pan-African Reading for All Conference,
University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, August 10-14, 2009.
3. “Black Creativity and the Limitations of Slavery: William Wells Brown’s Clotel or The President's
Daughter, Linda Brent’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s
Cabin,” (Originally intended for the John Carter Brown Library in Rhode Island, USA).
4. “Literary Models for National Enlightenment: Langston Hughes’s Not Without Laughter and Zaynab
Alkali’s The Virtuous Woman,” for the International Reading Association 4th Pan-African Reading for All
Conference, Ezulwini – Swaziland, August 2005.
5. “Religion as a Negative and Non Sustaining Weapon in James Baldwin’s Just Above My Head and
Richard Wright’s Black Boy” (1992).
6. “Literature and Revolution: A Study of Sembene Ousmane’s God’s Bits of Wood” (1991).
7. “French Assimilation and the African: A Study of Ferdinand Oyono’s Houseboy and The Old Man and
the Medal” (1990).
8. “The Muse’s Ruminations – A Collection of Poems” (1986-1990).
9. “The Theme of Rootlessness in Four Works by Two South African Novelists – Peter Abrahams and
Alex La Guma” (B. A. Research / Graduating Project 1987, University of Calabar.)
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOP PARTICIPATION
1. Participant in the 6th Pan-African Reading for All Conference, University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania,
August 10-14, 2009 (Due soon).
2. Participant in the 5th Department of English International Conference, University of Botswana,
Gaborone, June 2-4, 2009.
3. Participant in the Annual African Literature Association (ALA) Conference at the Western Illinois
University (WIU), Macomb, Illinois, U.S.A., April 22 – 27, 2008.
4. Participant in the University of Swaziland Institute of Distance Education Residential Writers
Workshop, Orion Hotel, Piggs Peak, Swaziland, June 26 – July 1, 2006.
5. Participant in the International Reading Association 4th Pan-African Reading for all Conference, Royal
Swazi Convention Center, Ezulwini – Swaziland, July 21-26, 2005.
6. Participant at the 3rd International Conference on Language & Literature, University of Botswana,
Gaborone - Botswana, June 12-18, 2005.
7. Participant in the Seventh General Association of University Teachers of Literature and Language of
Southern Africa (ATOLL), University of Swaziland , Kwaluseni Campus, August 1 – 5, 2004.
8. Participant in the University of Swaziland Institute of Distance Education Residential Writers
Workshop, Orion Hotel, Piggs Peak, Swaziland, June 20 – 26, 2004.
9. Sole Representative from the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Twentieth (20th) American Studies
Colloquium, Goree Institute, Dakar-Senegal, May 3-7, 2003.
10. University of Calabar International Conference on African Literature and the English Language
(ICALEL) 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2002.
11. West African Association of Commonwealth Literatures and Languages (WAACLALS) – 1989, 1990,
1991, 1992.
12. Faculty of Arts Seminar Series, University of Calabar – Regular participant.
Participated in the American Studies Association of Nigeria (A.S.A.N.) Annual
Conferences and Workshops in the following places:
13. 2003 – ASAN Conference, Abuja, June 2003
14. 2002 – Pyramid Hotel, Calabar
15. 2001 – Plateau Hotel, Jos.
16. 2000 – Precious Palm Royal Hotel, Benin City.
17. 1999 – Whispering Palms Resort, Iworo – Badagry, Lagos.
18. 1996 – University of Ibadan International Conference Centre (Subsequently aborted by the Abacha
Military Regime)
19. 1995 – University of Lagos Guest Houses
20. British Council Seminar on Women Writers in the British Commonwealth, National Theater, Iganmu –
Lagos (July 1999).
PROFESSIONAL HONOURS, ACADEMIC AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS:
1. Distinguished Member, Board of Advisors, American Biographical Institute, Bur Oaks Circle, North
Carolina, U.S.A. (2000-2003).
2. Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) Grantee (1996 – 1999).
3. Research Fellow / Teaching Assistant, University of Lagos (1994 – 1998).
4. University of Calabar Research Fellowship for the Ph.D. Research (1993 – 1998).
5. University of Calabar Research Award for the M.A. Research (1989 – 1990).
COMMUNITY SERVICE
1. Editor, Lwati: Journal of Humanities, University of Swaziland,
Kwaluseni – Swaziland, 2004 – to date
2. Secretary, Financial Secretary & Publicity Secretary, Roman Catholic Community, University of Swaziland,
Kwaluseni, 2003-2005, 2006-2007, 2008-2009.
3. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria (Sokoto State), 1987 – 1988:
a. Taught at: 1. Government Day Secondary School, Talata – Mafara.
2. University of Sokoto, Sokoto.
b. Edited: The University of Sokoto Journal of Studies in Humanities
c. Participated in: The NYSC Reforestation Program, planting trees
in the Sokoto area
CONSULTANCIES
1. Institute of Distance Education, University of Swaziland (2003-2009).
2. University of Calabar (UNICAL) Consultancy (1989-1993 & 2000-2003):
a. Diploma in English
b. Remedial English Teaching
3. University of Lagos Distance Education Consultancy (1994-1999).
4. Centre for General Studies, UNICAL (1989-1993):
Use of English Language Teaching
5. Faculty of Education, Sandwich Program during semester breaks, University of Calabar, Calabar –
Nigeria (1989-1993 & 2000-2003).
MEMBERSHIP AND ACTIVITIES IN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
1 Member, African Literature Association (ALA), Center for African Studies and Research, Cornell
University, 310 Triphammer Road, Ithaca, New York, NY 14850 - 2544, U.S.A.(2008 - )
2 Member Association of University Teachers of Literature and Language in Southern Africa (ATOLL) –
2004 to date.
3 Chairman, American Studies Association of Nigeria (A.S.A.N), University of Calabar Chapter (2000 –
2003)
4 Member, Board of Advisors, American Biographical Institute, Bur Oaks Circle, North Carolina (2002-
2003)
5 Member, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Cross River State Chapter (2001-2003)
6 Member, Faculty of Arts Senate Research Grants Committee, University of Calabar (2002-2003)
7 Member, International Conference on African Literature and the English Language (ICALEL)
University of Calabar, Nigeria.
8 Member, West African Association of Commonwealth Literatures and Languages Study (WAACLALS)
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Welfare Secretary, Henry Carr Postgraduate Hall, University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos (1996-1998).
2. Secretary, Electoral Committee, Postgraduate Students Association, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba,
Lagos (1997).
3. Member, National Union of Campus Journalists, University of Calabar (1983 – 1987).
4. Secretary to the Accounts Officer (Financial Secretary), Students’ Union Government, University of
Calabar (1985 – 1986).
5. Secretary and Librarian, Current Affairs Organization, University of Calabar (1986 – 1987).
6. President, Caretaker Government, English and Literary Students Association, University of Calabar
(1984 – 1985).
TEACHING AND SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE
(I taught students and supervised their projects in the following institutions and years):
1. Lecturer (Assistant Professor of English),
University of Swaziland, South Africa (2003 – to date).
2. Lecturer (Assistant Professor of English),
University of Calabar, Calabar - Nigeria.
3. Lecturer 1 (Assistant Professor),
University of Calabar, Calabar - Nigeria (2000-2003).
a). Chief Examinations Officer, Department of English and
Literary Studies (2000-2003)
b). Member, Senate Research Grants Committee, Faculty of
Arts, University of Calabar (2001-2003).
4. Assistant Lecturer – University of Calabar (1990 – 1998).
5. Teaching Assistant – University of Calabar (1989 – 1990)
6. Teaching Assistant – Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto
7. Teaching Assistant – University of Lagos (1994 – 1998).
8. Auxiliary Teacher – Nkum Iborr Secondary Commercial School,
Alladim, Nkum - OGOJA (1982 – 1983).
COURSES TAUGHT AND SERVICE AS STUDENT’S ADVISOR:
Faculty of Humanities – Dept. of English Language & Literature, University of Swaziland, South Africa:
1. Historical Background of English Literature (ENG. 104 / IDE-ENG. 104)
2. Introduction to Critical Theory (ENG. 204 / IDE-ENG. 204)
3. Survey of English Literature (ENG. 205 / IDE-ENG. 205)
4. Modern Critical Theories (ENG. 304 / IDE-ENG. 304)
5. Advanced Studies in African Literature (IDE-ENG. 404)
6. African-American Literature through the Years – Topics in Linguistics and
Literary Studies 2 (ENG. 408B / IDE-ENG. 408B)
7. Supervision of students’ projects and theses.
Faculty of Arts – Department of English and Literary Studies,
University of Calabar, Calabar - Nigeria:
1. Survey of American Literature (ELS 4071) – 2002 - 2003
2. Caribbean Literature (ELS 3031) – 2002 - 2003
3. African-American Literature (ELS 3041)
4. African-American Literature (ELS 3042)
5. Advanced English Composition (ELS 2032) – 1999 - 2000
6. Use of English (GSS 1101) – 1989 - 2003
7. Use of English (GSS 1102) – 1989 - 2003
8. Remedial English (ELS 001) – 1999 - 2003
9. Remedial English (ELS 002) – 1999 - 2003
10. Diploma English (ELS 003) – 2001 - 2002
11. The African Novel (ELS 3011) – 1991 - 1993
12. English Composition (ELS 1011) – 1989 - 2003
13. English Composition (ELS 1012) – 1989 - 2003
14. Use of English (GSS1101) – 1989 -2003
15. Use of English (GSS1102) – 1989 - 2003
A. Faculty of Education Sandwich Program, University of Calabar:
1. African Prose (ELS 2011) – 1989 - 2003
2. African Novel (ELS 3011, 3012) – 1990 - 2003
3. Staff Advisor for third Year Students, (1991 – 1993)
4. Chief Examinations and Records Officer, Department of English
and Literary Studies (Oct. 2000 to 2003).
Teaching Assistant (and Doctoral Student): University of Lagos:
1. 1994 – 1995:
G.ST.* 105: Use of English 1
G.ST. 106: Use of English 2
2. 1995 – 1996:
G.ST. 105: Use of English 1
G.ST. 106: Use of English 2
3. 1996 – 1997:
G.ST. 105: Use of English 1
G.ST. 106: Use of English 2
4. 1997 – 1998:
G.ST. 105: Use of English 1
G.ST. 106: Use of English 2
*General Studies (G.ST.)
PART TIME ENDEAVOURS:
1. English Language Instructor - Embassy of South Korea in Nigeria,
Idejo Street, Victoria Island – Lagos (1996-1999).
2. English Language Instructor – Graduate Management Admission
Test Preparatory Classes, Brilliant Ideas Ltd., University of Lagos
Center (1995-1999).
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Personnel Officer II – Cross River State Civil Service
Commission, Calabar (1988 – 1989).
a. Secretary to the Chairman at Board and General
Commission’s Meetings.
b. Assistant Head, Recruitment Section of the Commission.
c. Secretary to the Appointments and Promotions Board of the
Civil Service Commission.
HOBBIES:
Reading widely, writing, Bible study, visiting and caring for the sick, gardening, watching television, listening to
the radio, taking photographs, watching football (soccer), basketball and athletics.
REFERENCES:
1. Professor Ernest Nneji Emenyonu, Ph.D.,
Chair, Department of Africana Studies
The University of Michigan – Flint
303, East Kearsley Street
Flint, Michigan 48502-1950, U.S.A.
Tel.: +1 810 762 3353
Fax: +1 810 766 6719
E-mails: eernest@umflint.edu,
eemenyonu@hotmail.com
2. Professor Ebele Ofoma Eko, Ph.D.
Department of English & Literary Studies,
University of Calabar,
P. M. B, 1115,
Calabar – Nigeria.
Tel.: +2348036741779
+17633839455
E-mail: ebelewa@yahoo.com
3. Professor Augustine Ogochukwuka Ofuani, Ph.D.
Head (Chairman),
Department of English Language and Literature,
University of Swaziland,
Private Bag 4,
Kwaluseni M 201,
Swaziland – Southern Africa.
Tel: + 268 664 5228
E-mail: ofuaniogo@yahoo.co.uk
4. Anthony Egrinya Eneji, Ph.D., Dr. Agr.
Professor
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology
China Agricultural University
No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road
Beijing, 100094
Peoples’ Republic of China.
Tel: +86 62733872; +86 136 81 592 744 (mobile)
E-mail = aeeneji@yahoo.co.uk
A MEMORANDUM ON THE REQUEST FOR THE
CREATION OF OGOJA STATE
PRESENTED BY
THE PEOPLE OF THE OLD OGOJA PROVINCE THROUGH THE
MOVEMENT FOR THE CREATION OF OGOJA STATE
TO THE
PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF OF THE ARMED
FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA,
ALHAJI SHEHU MUSA YAR'ADUA
AND
DISTINGUISHED SENATORS / HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF
THE FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NIGERIA
THROUGH
THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND HONOURABLE SPEAKER,
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY,
ABUJA – NIGERIA.
OCTOBER 2OO8.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Table of contents………………………………………………............. 1
Map of the Proposed State……………………………………………. 4
Summary and Conclusion……………………………………………… 5
1. OBJECTIVE…………………………………………………… 6
2. GOING IT ALONE……………………………………………. 7
3. THE STRUGGLE IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE………. 8
- Pre-Independence to 1967……………………………………..… 8
- The Cross River State Movement……………………………… 9
- The new Cross River State Movement………………………… 9
- The Ogoja State……………………………………………….... 9
4. THE CASE FOR AN OGOJA STATE
- Self-Determination…………………………………………… 10
- Ethnic and Socio-cultural Affinity…………………………….. 11
.
- Viability of the Ogoja State…………………………………... 11
- Land Mass……………………………………………………. 11
- Agriculture and Agro-Allied Industries……………………… 12
.
- Tourism……………………………………………………….. 12
- Mineral Resources…………………………………………... 12
- Hydro-Electric Power Potentials…………………………….. 14
- Population……………………………………………………. 14
- Availability of Manpower…………………………………… 14
5. OGOJA STATE/OGOJA PROVINCE……………………. 16
6. PROPOSED CONSTITUENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS…… 17
- The local Government Areas……………………………………… 17
- The State Capital…………………………………………………... 17
7. PRAYER………………………………………………………….. 18
ANNEXURE
8. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS………………………………. 20
9. SIGNATURES…………………………………………………... 21-28
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
This request acknowledges the immense task before the National Constitution Review Commission and its
States Creation Committee. A disturbing and persistent issue however, is the continued omission whereby the
original twenty-four provinces of Nigeria, except Ogoja, have been accorded the status of State. Indeed, six
other States derive from geopolitically inferior status than the old OGOJA PROVINCE. It is in the light of this
identified sense of injustice and deprivation that we, the people of OLD OGOJA PROVINCE are humbly re-
presenting this Request for the creation of an OGOJA STATE.
In its present form, the Cross River State is made up of two major socio-cultural/ethnic groups namely; the
Efik-speaking peoples of the Old Calabar Province, and the Ogoja peoples of the old Ogoja Province. The need
to preserve and separately develop the identities and economies and economic potentials of these two groups
of people dates back to the Pre-Independence struggle for the creation of the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers (COR)
State. The Rivers people gained semi-political autonomy with the creation, in1967, of the Rivers State.
Thereafter, the continuing struggle by the people of Ogoja for self-determination had resulted in two frustrating
alliances in such movements like the Cross River State Movement, and the New Cross River State
Movement. In 1987, part of what used to be Calabar Province was carved out of the Cross River State. That
part of Calabar Province now constitutes the present Akwa Ibom State.
The case for the creation of two States from the present Cross River State has been thoroughly articulated in
several documents and commissions.
It is understood and appreciated throughout the country. We are humbly seeking OFFICIAL WILL to grant
the OGOJA people an opportunity for self-determination and self-actualization. This memorandum has clearly
shown, from facts and figures, that the proposal for an Ogoja State delimited within 16,380sq.km of rich
agricultural land, and having a population of over 1.56 million people is viable. The largely untapped Tourism,
Agricultural and Mineral Resources provide a reliable base upon which to build our State. The strong case for
the creation of an OGOJA STATE revolves around the lack of a dominant ethnic group, the existence of a
common administration heritage and the socio-cultural compatibility of the several small ethnic groups. Prior to
the creation of the States in 1967, the factors of compatibility, affinity and development were paramount in the
composition of Ogoja province. These factors were undermined with the lumping together of the Old Ogoja
Province with Calabar Province to create the former South Eastern State (now Cross River State). It is the
desire of the people of Ogoja to chart the course of their destiny in a separate State. In this existing
association, our lot has been that of continued and unfulfilled expectations, inter-ethnic suspicions, frustration,
deprivation and poverty. The authors of this request are fully conscious of the desire of other minority ethnic
groups for self-determination. This request therefore is not in spite of these ethnic interests, but for the
reinforcement of the ideal of group self-determination and actualization.
We seek, indeed, to emphasize the OGOJA STATE AS THE FOCUS OF THIS REQUEST.
The proposed Ogoja State would consist of twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas (with proposed
headquarters):-
1. Obanliku (Sankwalla) 12.Obudu (Obudu)
2. Ogoja (Ogoja) 13. Afi (Edor)
3. Bekwarra (Abuochichi) 14.Ukelle (Wanokom)
4. Eastern Boki (Bateriko) 15.Yala (Okpoma)
5. Agbo (AgboCentral) 16. Ikom (Ikom)
6. Emina (Ekori) 17. Obubra (Obubra)
7. Yakurr (Ugep) 18. Bahumono (Ediba)
8. Utu gwang (Utugwang) 19. Mbube (Ekumtak)
9. Utanga (Utanga) 20. Bansara (Bansara)
10. Etung (Bendeghe) 21. Adun-Okum (Appiapum)
11. Western Boki (Boje)
In the spirit of previous states Creation exercise, it is expected that the State capital would be old provincial
Headquarters – Ogoja town.
Finally, the Request for the creation of Ogoja State seeks to permanently remove the yoke of domination,
alienation, and oppression from the fortunes of the people of old Ogoja province.
Facts
(1) Title of proposed State - OGOJA.
(2) State Capital – Ogoja Town.
(3) Population – 1. 56 million (Based on the 1991 National Census Results. Current Projections or
Estimates suggest that the actual population of the proposed OGOJA STATE is now above 2. 1 million
people).
(4) Land Area – 16380 square kilometres.
(5) Number of proposed Local Government Areas – 21 (Twenty One).
The President and Commander in Chief
of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of
Nigeria,
Alhaji Shehu Musa Yaradua.
Distinguished Senators and Members of the House of Representatives,
National Assembly,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Sirs
REQUEST FOR HE CREATION OF OGOJA STATE
1. OBJECTIVE
We the undersigned persons of Old Ogoja province, for and on behalf of ourselves and the neglected people of
Ogoja are, gratefully seizing another opportunity to represent our request for the creation of an OGOJA
STATE. Our submission herewith is the continuing struggle for self-determination and a fair share in the
political and Economic development of Nigeria. The recognition of the subject of the creation of the creation of
New States underscores the Head of State’s thorough understanding of the ever –present need to eradicate
one of the most potent causes of instability in Nigeria. The people of Ogoja, 33 years after Independence, are
still suffering from psychological social and economic bondage and neglect. All administrations have
perpetuated this status quo of neglect and deprivation, all the past federal Government administration would
appear to have colluded with forces of detraction to alienate the people of Ogoja from the political and
economic development in Nigeria. Patiently, the people of Ogoja have constitutionally continued to resist all
acts of omission and commission by the various administrations to constitute the area and people of Ogoja into
a flash-point of instability in the constitutional development of this country. It is in the same spirit of patience
and constitutionality that we are once more presenting our request for the creation of an Ogoja State.
Our request seeks to bring into a most relevant and realistic geopolitical association all of the area and peoples
of the old Ogoja province as today constitute that composite part of the Cross River State. Specifically, it
seeks to bring into one State all of the area and people of Yakurr, Abi, Obubra, Ikom, Boki, Ogoja, Yala,
Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of the present Cross River State.
2. GOING IT ALONE
Hitherto, the people of Ogoja had pursued the objective of self-determination and socio-economic development
as a joint struggle with other minority groups east of the River Niger. At the end of each phase of the struggle,
the people of Ogoja have been betrayed by our comrades acting alone, or in concert with the Federal or state
governments or government agencies, to protect vested selfish interest. In the long and sometimes bitter
struggle dating to the colonial era, the lot of our people has been that of betrayals by trusted friends, continued
frustration, neglect, deprivation, poverty and underdevelopment.
The lesson from the betrayals, and heir consequences of inhibited political and economic development in
Ogoja, is the need to GO IT ALONE in the search for self-determination. The need to ensure a sustained and
coherent struggle with terminal singleness of purpose is he imperative for an association that guarantees self-
determination in a separate State within Nigeria. The objective of achieving political and socio-economic
development can only be guaranteed by the Ogoja people, for the Ogoja people, in an OGOJA STATE
3. THE STRUGGLE IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
3.1 Pre-Independence to 1967
The struggle for the creation of the Calabar-Ogoja-River (COR) States out of the former Eastern Nigeria
predates Independence (in 1960). The struggle, which started during colonial rule, sought semi-political
autonomy for the minority groups of the Old Province of Calabar, Ogoja, and Rivers. With the creation of
twelve (12) States in Nigeria in 1967 the COR State demand ended. In that exercise, the people of Old Calabar
and Ogoja Provinces were lumped together in an intrinsically heterogeneous and amorphous south Eastern
State to the disadvantage of the Ogoja People. The Rivers State was exercised for the Rivers people.
3.2 The bitter relationship between the four major ethnic groups which were soon
to develop in the south Eastern State underscored the false basis of the forced political association. In the
unbalanced, bitter and suspicious ethnic equation, the Ibibio, Annang, and Efik all three sharing linguistic and
cultural affinity, effectively dominated the political and economic life of the State. It was only in the ratio of
sharing of the largess of State that observers noticed any hint of difference among the Ibibio, Annang, and
Efik. The area and people of Ogoja were either effectively excluded in the sharing or allowed only token and
symbolic participation.
3.3 THE CROSS RIVER STATE MOVEMENT
In the renewed struggle for a separate existence shortly afterwards, a Cross River State Movement was born.
The partners in the movement, though cultural and ethnically different, the Efik and the Ogoja, shared only the
common perception of discrimination in the South Eastern State. Their motivations for the Cross River State
movement were therefore different. The Efik being the smallest in the fraternal trinity which included the Ibibio
and Annang resented the disproportionate sharing of largess with their kit and kin. In the Cross River State
the Efik hoped for a greater sharing ratio. For their part, the Ogoja had hoped for an association, the Cross
River State, that guaranteed security against the socio-economic neglect and deprivation that was their lot in
the south Eastern State.
3.4 The struggle for the creation of the creation of the Cross River State was
undermined at the last moment when detractors, playing on the suspicions of the proponents, succeeded in
compromising the over-riding objective of the movement. For various reasons, principal among which was the
suspicion over the choice of State Capital, the case for the Cross River State was lost. Rather, the south
Eastern State was renamed the Cross River State in an exercise that created seven additional states to
produce the 19 States structure in Nigeria. Though recommended by the Commission (1975), the suspicions
and betrayals within the movement once more frustrated the hopes of the Ogoja people for a fairer share in the
political and economic development of Nigeria.
3.5 THE NEW CROSS RIVER STATE MOVEMENT
In 1979, another petition for the creation of the new Cross River State (NCRS) was submitted to the National
Assembly. The NCRS was described in that petition as comprising the people Calabar, Odukpani, Akamkpa,
Obubra, Ikom, Ogoja and Obudu. A strong case for inclusion of Oron in the NCRS, itself a divisive and
controversial proposition, was accepted by the movement for the creation of the NCRS. Despite internal
upheavals and mutual suspicion within the movement, the proponents held together in the demand for the
creation of the NCRS. Owing more to the ineffectiveness and inconsistencies of the Civilian Politics (1979-
1983), than to any faults in the movement, the NCRS was not created until the demise of the shangari
Administration in December, 1983, following the Buhari Coup-d’etat.
3.6 THE OGOJA STATE
Our first demand in 1986 for the Ogoja State was submitted to the Political Bureau, appointed by the
Babangida administration. It was another start by the people of Old Ogoja Province in the continuing struggle
for self-determination. The focus of that demand was the creation of two States out of the old Provinces of
Calabar and Ogoja respectively. In 1987, part of Calabar Province was carved out to form the present Akwa
Ibom State. The other part, together with all of Old Ogoja province now constitutes the present Cross River
State. In its present form it is a yoke with a structure that is incompatible with the spirit of self-determination of
the people of Ogoja. This request recognizes the deficiencies and weaknesses of past movements in the
struggle for political and socio-economic identity of the people of Ogoja. The authors are also fully conscious
that the continuous alienation of the people of Ogoja by the Federal Government has its roots in the ethnic, as
well in the majority/minority politics of Nigeria. We therefore, seek to be carved out into an Ogoja State where
ethnicity and the politics of numbers are rendered irrelevant and inapplicable, by the absence of a dominant
ethnic group, and the existence of an old heritage of cultural and socio-economic affinity. Our request seeks to
complete the process, started in 1967, of creating States from the former Provinces of the Federation. Further,
we seek to emphasize the old Ogoja Province as the focal point of this request for a new State out of the
present Cross River State.
4. THE CASE FOR AN OGOJA STATE
4.1 Self-Determination
It is time for the people of Ogoja to take their destiny in their hands. Through persistent neglect and
deprivation, the entire area referred to as the Old Ogoja Province has remained the most backward and least
developed part of Nigeria. There is noticeably neither the State nor Federal Presence in the Old Ogoja
Province; an area covering over 16,380sq.km. There is a complete absence of any industrial base in terms of
government- owned factories and infrastructure. The private sector is mainly a roll-call of subsistent farmers,
petty traders, and petty contractors. This situation contrast sharply with the position in the remaining part of
the Old Calabar province where the list of government-owned factories and institutions include:-
1. CREL Factory
2. Calabar Cement Factory (Calabar)
3. Eastern Match Industry (Calabar)
4. Seromwood Industry (Calabar)
5. Calvenply (Calabar)
6. State Secretariat, and Headquarters
of State-owned Parastatals (Calabar)
7. The Margaret Ekpo International Airport (Calabar)
8. The Seaport (Calabar)
9. The Export Processing Zone (Calabar)
10. The NNPC Tank Farm (Calabar
11. The Cross River University of Technology (Main Campus), Calabar
12. The University of Calabar (Calabar)
13. Military Installations – Army, Navy, Airforce (Calabar)
14. The College of Education, Akamkpa
15. Fruit juice, Odukpani
16. Poly Rub, Akamkpa
17. Flour Mill, Calabar
18. Tinapa Duty Free Zone
19. The Orascom Cement Factory (Calabar Zone).
4.2 Since the creation of the South Eastern State (much of which is now Cross River State), the
dominant position of the indigenes of the Old Calabar Province in Government has assured them the firm
control of the flow of capital and domination of the State’s economy. As a result, the private sector in Ogoja is
non- existent
4.3 The tale of neglect spans all aspects of the life of Ogoja, from lack of roads to the neglect of existing
ones; from the almost non-existent health care delivery system to the poor staffing of, and lack of learning or
teaching aids in the community-built schools.
4.4 For too long, the Ogoja people have left their destinies in the hangs of others. For another chance, we
are craving to be given an opportunity to run our affairs.
4.5 ETHNIC AND SOCIO-CULTURAL AFFINITY
The people of Ogoja share a common heritage. The several small ethnic groups distributed over 16380sq.km.
share ethnic and socio-cultural affinity. Above all, we enjoy a common administration from the colonial era.
4.6 The major dialectical groups include Bette, Becheva, Sankwalla, Bekwarra, Etung, Boki, Ejagham,
Yala, Yache, Gabu, Olulumo, Yakurr, Mbebe, Bahumuno, and Agbo. None of these dialectical groups is big
enough to dominate the others. Rather, Pidgin English is generally spoken as the dominant language of the
people. The absence of a dominant factor among the ethnic groups, the common socio-cultural and
administrative heritage, and the adoption of Pidgin English as a lingua-Franca all provide the solid foundation
on which to build a peaceful and prosperous State.
4.7 VIABILITY OF THE OGOJA STATE
(i) Viability Established
The entire comprising the area and people of Ogoja was considered viable enough to be constituted into one of
the 24 (twenty four) provinces of colonial Nigeria. It was viable enough to stay as a Province until May, 1967,
when it was lumped with Calabar Province to form the Cross River State (the South Eastern State). Indeed, all
of the former provinces except Ogoja Province were constituted into States. The decision for lumping Ogoja
with Calabar in the South Eastern State derives more from miscalculations of the ethnic relationships, and a
false perception of the compatibility of the ethnic constituents than from economic consideration.
(ii) Land Mass
The proposed Ogoja State lies between latitude 5degrees 40’N and 7degrees 00N and longitudes 8degrees E
and 10degrees E: and form the northern half of the present Cross River State. It is bounded to the North by
Benue State, West by Enugu and Abia State, to the South by Biase and Akamkpa LGAs. and to the East by
the Republic of Cameroon.
From all economic and demographic considerations, Ogoja Province is viable enough to be constituted into a
State. With a land mass of 16,380 sq. km, Ogoja Province is larger than seven (7) States of the United States of
America whose land areas range from 1,942sq.km. (for Rhode island) to 13,211 sq. km (for Massachusetts).
Indeed, Ogoja Province is larger than or compares favourably with several member countries of the United
Nations among which are the Bahamas (13,935 sq. km), and even Jamaica (11,424 sq. km). Infact, the
proposed Ogoja State is larger than Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Delta and Edo States and
compares favourably in size with several newly created States.
(iii) Agricultural and Agro-allied Industries
The proposed Ogoja State with a landmass of 16,380sq. km possesses climatic, soil and vegetation conditions
that provide tremendous agricultural and Agro-Allied industrial potentials.
About 20% of the land area of the proposed State consist of forests located at the Southern parts such as
Ugep, Obubra, Ikom, Boki, while, a large part of the Ogoja region consist of grassland or savanna at places
such as Ogoja, Obudu, Obanliku etc.This variety of soils and vegetation makes possible the cultivation of an
equally wide variety of agricultural produce ranging from food to cash crops. The food crops grown include
Yams, Cassava, Cocoyam, and Maize, Beans, Rice, Millet and several market garden crops. While some of
the cash crops that thrive well in the region include cocoa, rubber, palm-oil, kola nuts, bananas, plantains,
coffee etc.
The Cross River Basin (consisting of the Cross River flowing through Ikom, Obubra, Ugep areas and other
smaller rivers & streams) offers a suitable agricultural potentials which together with the generally good
cultivable land of the State can be harnessed for plantation agriculture and for Agro-Allied industries given
adequate political and associated economic institutions through an Ogoja State.
The Obudu Cattle Ranch provides immense facilities for livestock farming or ranching. The vast luxuriant
grassland provides grazing pasture for a variety of livestock including goats, sheep and cattle.
(iv) Tourism
The Obudu Ranch Resort has become a foremost destination for local and international tourists. It is presently
the number one tourist destination in Nigeria and with greater commitment on the part of stake holders, could
become Africa’s foremost resort for tourism. With its breath taking amenities and infrastructure that are amply
cushioned on the universally acclaimed generosity of the indigenous people within the area, this facility is
indeed, world class and could be further enhanced for greater excellence. The Obudu Cattle Ranch is naturally
endowed with an intrinsic capacity to yield at least US$100 billion annually from agriculture and tourism.
Other resources include the natural land formations and forest which, in themselves, are assets to the
development of Agriculture and Tourism in Ogoja. The Kanyang Wild Life Reserves, Agbokim Waterfall and
the Alok Monoliths can be developed into havens with handsome annual economic returns to Ogoja State. So
far, the skewed policies of the various administrations (since 1967) which derive from the ethnic perception of
economic development have stultified the development of agricultural and tourist industries in Ogoja.
(v) Mineral Resources
The mineral resources base of Ogoja portends an economically viable State. Established mineral reserves
include: (a) Crude Oil in Commercial quantity (tested and proven) at Ishi-Aya, Ibil and other surrounding areas
in the Ogoja Local Government Area.
(b) Limestones at Ugep to support a viable cement plant.
The limestones would provide raw materials for a lime plant to service the steel, glass, paint, and agricultural
industries.
(c) Quartz/Basal/Quartzite in Obudu, Ogoja, Yala and Ikom; would
support a glass and glassware industry.
(d) Salt Deposits in Yala, Boki and Ikom; would adequately support the
commercial production of common salt for the home and industry. The demand for common salt is underscored
by the huge requirements of the petrochemical industries which are estimated at 500,000 metric tones annually
from 1987. In addition, the salt deposits offer opportunities for the development of the Soda, Potash and
Chlorine gas factories.
(e) Gypsum, found in Ikom, Ogoja, Yala and Obudu; is an important
requirement of the Cement industries; used in the making of plaster of paris; and is important in the production
of fertilizers.
All of the above minerals are important in the daily lives of the individual and the nation. The development of a
State’s economy on the exploitation of these deposits will ensure viability and the overall development of the
State.
(vi) Hydro-Electric Power Potential
The Cross River which rises from the Republic of Cameroon and flows into the proposed Ogoja State through
Ikom, Obubra with an annual discharge (recorded over a period of 12 years (1972-83) of 10763.28 cubic metres
(cumecs) at Ikom 16281 cumecs at Obubra combined with the Agbokim waterfall at Ikom is one of the greatest
Nigeria rivers with great H.E.P potentials which with proper management & establishment of appropriate
institutional framework with the governments of the surrounding Republic of Cameroon and other States and
LGAs in Nigeria in the form of the establishment of a Cross River Basin (International) Commission is
capable of producing electrical power necessary for the various industrial & economic activities boosting the
agricultural and tourism industries, thus contributing immensely to national development. This is a fact which
has been acknowledged by the appropriate authorities (NEPA) but has been ignored as part of the general
neglect of the Ogoja region.
(vii) Population
In the helpless circumstances we have always found ourselves, population figures have always been under-
estimated by majority group interests in order to perpetuate the negative geopolitics of development in Ogoja.
In spite of this, the present population, estimated at 2,560,000 people, is distributed over 16,380 sq. km. of
land. This allows a population density of 96 persons per square kilometer. The demographic factor of low
population density (i.e. ratio of population to land mass) in Ogoja facilitates agricultural development, promotes
good neighborliness, and enhances peace and stability. In terms of sheer population size, Ogoja is larger than
12 States of the United States of America with between 300,000 and 800,000 inhabitants.
Furthermore, at a population size of over one million inhabitants it is larger than several member States of the
United Nations viz:
Bahamas (205,000), Barbados (251,000), Belize (137,200), Grenada (109,000), and Guyana (884,000).
The population of the proposed Ogoja State compares favorably with those of Niger (1,200,000), Ogon State
(1,600,000), and Rivers (1,700,000) States. (1963 population figures projected to 1980). This document
acknowledges the 1991 population Census figures, but it also acknowledges the controversy surrounding
figures in some areas, especially that of the present Cross River State.
(viii) Availability of Manpower
There will be no shortage of manpower for the services of an Ogoja State. Presently, there is a surfeit of
University graduates in Ogoja. In the service of the Cross River State Government there are at least 30 top
civil servants of the level 16 cadre and above.
These are adequate to start off any administration. It is further estimated that at least 550 indigenes of Ogoja
graduate every year from the University and other institutions of higher learning. Indeed, there is more
developed and skilled manpower in the Old Ogoja Province than in several States of the Federation.
At 1,560,000 (2.560,000 million current projections) inhabitants spread over 16,380 sq. km. of land there is a
guaranteed labour force to satisfy the demands of the dominant occupation and invested, which is Agriculture.
4.8 the case or justification for the creation of an Ogoja State is predicated on
unassailable arguments of self-determination and viability. We have humbly shown, from facts and figures
around Nigeria and the world, that all considerations bear out the demand for an Ogoja State. As a people,
Ogoja has a destiny. The arrival of this destiny, we believe, is only being delayed. We are, this time around,
addressing our Request, not to politicians, but to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
of Nigeria. We are therefore, relying on the objectively and the proven sense of good judgment of the
President himself. It is the desire of the people of Ogoja that the merit of our case which derives from
humanitarian considerations be the guide in the consideration of our Request.
5. OGOJA STATE / OGOJA PROVINCE
5.1 The Signatories to the Request for an Ogoja State are fully conscious of the achievement of the
Federal Government in changing the political structure of Nigeria. The main thrust of the argument in favour of
the return to the 24 (twenty four) provinces had evolved around the identification, delimitation and grouping of
compatible and culturally related ethnic groups in the Provincial system. Specifically, Ogoja Province as at
1967, was without Abakaliki and Afikpo, which had, hitherto, been the unrelated constituents of the then Ogoja
Province. In an earlier restructuring exercise, Abakaliki and Afikpo had been excised from Ogoja Province in
order to give effect and meaning to the compatibility, affinity and the development of the people of Obudu,
Ogoja, Ikom and Obubra.
5.2 The lumping of Ogoja Province (described as Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom and Obubra) Calabar Province in the
1967 State creation exercise was a retrogressive step imposed on the people of Ogoja. From semi-autonomy in
an Ogoja Province, we were forced into another era of subservience in an association with the Efik-speaking
people of Old Calabar Province in what was called the south Eastern State.
5.3 As a Province, Ogoja enjoyed a political status that equals existing States namely, Bauchi (Bauchi
State), Gongola (now Adamawa and Taraba), Borno (Borno and Yobe States), Benue (Benue State), Illorin,
Kabba, Kano (Jigawa States), Katsina (Katsina State), Niger (Niger State), Plateau (Plateau State), Sokoto
(Sokoto (Sokoto and Kebbi States), Zaria (Kaduna State), Abeokuta (Ogun State), Benin (Edo and Delta
States), Ijebu, Ondo (Ondo State), Imo (Imo and Abia State), Anambra (Anambra, Enugu States), and Oyo
(Oyo, Oshun States).
5.4 What the Ogoja people want now is semi-political autonomy to enable us to chart the course of our
destiny.
5.5 We decry the loss of equality and self-determination by the annulment of the Ogoja Province in 1967.
We decry the incompatibility inherent in our present association in the Cross River State. We seek to regain
the opportunity we lost with the creation of the southern Eastern State in 1967. We seek the restoration of
Ogoja to the status we occupied among the twenty four (24) Provinces of Nigeria prior to May 27, 1967.
5.6 There are two distinct groups in the Cross River State namely; the Efik-speaking people, of Old
Calabar Province and the Ogoja people of Old Ogoja Province. The issue therefore, is clearly the creation of
two States from Cross River State. The approximate geo-political boundaries are clear. We pray the Head of
State to create the States along these boundaries.
6. PROPOSED CONSTITUENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
6.1 The Local Government Areas
Presently, the area of interest, which extends from Ugep in the south to Obanliku in the north consist of nine
(9) Local Government Areas. The nine existing Local Government areas include, from North to South,
Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, Yala, Boki, Ikom, Obubra, Yakurr, and Abi. Other major centres of population and
areas to constituted into separate Local Government Areas include from North to South, Bekwarra, Ukelle,
Afi, Eastern Boki; Western Boki;Agbo; Bansara; Mbube, Etung, Utugwang, Utanga, Adun-Okum and Emina.
6.2 Each of these suggested development areas is inhabited by at least 111,429
homogenous people with a common dialect; each area covers at least 1170 sq. km of fertile agricultural land;
and further, the people of each area share a common socio-cultural and administrative heritage. We are,
therefore humbly presenting a Request for the creation of twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas from
these Areas.
6.3 At the end of the exercise, the proposed Ogoja State would consist of
twenty-one Local Government Areas namely; Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra, Ogoja, Yala, Ukelle, Agbo; Eastern
Boki; Ikom, Afi, Obubra, Yakurr, Emina Bahumono Western Boki; Utugwang; Mbube; Utanga; Bansara;
Etung and Adun-Okum.
6.4 THE STATE CAPITAL
We are fully conscious of Security and Economic implications in the choice of a State Capital. We are however,
reconciled to the singleness of our purpose and the resolve to attain our goals, by offering our full cooperation
to the Presidency and the Committee in the discharge of the requested State creation exercise.
6.5 In our diversity, we have found a common identity in being called, addressed,
and treated as Ogoja people. In the State, as in the rest of the country, the calm, honest, and friendly
disposition of the Ogoja man is characteristic. From the physical to the psychological profile, we are easily
identified as Ogoja people. It is therefore, a unanimous proposition that the issue of a State Capital be
considered within the context of the precedence, as well as the overall security and economic implications to
the Nation.
6.6 Our Request, thus seeks an Ogoja State having twenty-one (21) Local
Government Areas, with OGOJA Town as the State Capital.
7. PRAYER
Whereas, we have clearly demonstrated a persistent and peaceful quest for a separate State for the people of
Ogoja;
Whereas, we have demonstrated with facts and figures that the Ogoja State is as
viable as any existing State;
Whereas, we have demonstrated, and the available statistics also demonstrate, the complete neglect of the
area and the peoples of Ogoja by both the Federal and State Administrations;
Whereas, we are satisfied that the destiny of the people of Ogoja can only be charted by the people of Ogoja
for the people of Ogoja, in a separate Ogoja State;
Whereas, the approximate geo-political boundaries of the Old Ogoja Province are clear;
Whereas, there is unanimity in the quest for a separate State, having twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas;
Whereas, through the political development of Nigeria, the people of Ogoja have made enormous sacrifices for
the maintenance of peace and the territorial integrity of our Nation;
Whereas, our Request seeks to permanently afford the Ogoja people the right environment for self-
determination and actualization;
We, the undersigned persons of the Old Ogoja Province and on behalf of the people of the Old Ogoja Province
and ourselves, humbly pray the President and the National Assembly to favourably consider our Request for
the creation of the OGOJA STATE.
Thank you very kindly for the opportunity given us to address our Request to the President and National
Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yours very sincerely,
(For and on behalf of the People
of the Old OGOJA Province).
MAP OF THE PROPOSED OGOJA STATE IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS AND CONSTITUENT WARDS:
1. AGBO Itigidi, Adadama, Ekureku 1, Ekureku 11, Imabana & Ikpalegwa
2. YAKURR Bikobiko, Ijiman, Ijom, Ikpakpitt, Idomi.
3. EMINA Inyima, Ajere, Afrekpe/Epenti, Ntan, Abanakpai, Nkpolo/Ukpawen, Mkpani /Agoi and Assiga.
4. OBUBRA Appiapum; Ofumbongha/Yala, Obubra Urban.
5. EASTERN BOKI Bateriko, Beebo/Bumaji, Katchuan, Bunyia/Okubuchi
6. WESTERN BOKI Abo Boje, Ogep Osokom, Ekpashi Osokom, Kakwagom/Bawop & Oku/Borum, Njua
7. IKOM Ikom Urban, Yala-Ikom, Olulumo, Ofutop.
8. AFI Nde, Nta/Nselle & Nnam/Abanyum
9. ETUNG Northern Etung; Southern Etung
10. BAHUMONO Ediba, Ebom, Afafanyi/ Igonigoni, Usumutong
11. UTANGA Utanga, Basang, Becheve
12. ADUN-OKOM Adun, Ochon, Ofodua, Ovonum, Ababene, Appiapum
13. OBANLIKU Bebi, Bishiri North, Bishiri South, Bisu; Basang, Busi, Bendi 1, Bendi II, Becheve & Utanga
14. OBUDU Urban 1, Urban 11, Ipong, Begiading, Afriaba/Betiaka,
CONSTITUENT WARDS
15. OGOJA Urban 1, Urban 11, Nkum Iborr, Nkum Irede, Ndok.
16. BEKWARRA Afrike, Abuochiche1, Abuochiche 11, Gakem.
17. YALA Okpoma, Yahe, Okuku, Echumofana, Gabu,
18. UKELLE Wanokom, Wanihem, Wanikade, & Mfuma / Izilaga
19. UTUGWANG Utugwang North, Utugwang Central, Utugwang South, Alege/Ubang; Ukpe
20. MBUBE Idum, Ekumtak, Odajie, Egbe, Ojirim, Ogberia, Nkim
21. BANSARA Bansara, Mfom 1 & 11, Nwang, Mbok, Emandak.
May GOD Almighty bless all positively objective viewers
of this humble, but emerging website, Amen! Thanks and
cheers! Francis Sidney Ibe MOGU, Ph.D.
SOME ACADEMIC TEXT BOOKS AND CRITICAL JOURNAL ESSAYS BY DR. FRANCIS IBE MOGU
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