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By Oboh Linus, Lafia
The Igede ethnic nationality in Benue State under the auspices of Omi Nyi’ Igede, the apex socio-cultural organization of Igede has declared support for the creation of Ogoja State over the persistent marginalization in the state.
Comrade Ben Ubega, Spokesperson, “We are Going Back Home Movement” for Omi Nyi’ Igede made this position known at the North Central Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Lafia, Nasarawa State Capital.
He said that the Igede ethnic nationality which occupied two Local Governments; Oju and Obi in Benue State has been subjected to dehumanizing treatment in Benue State for so long.
He lamented the non-existence of infrastructural development like roads and functional healthcare facilities in the two Local Governments, noting that more than 50 women die from pregnancy-related death yearly.
“We as a people were born like every human being on earth. We are part and parcel of Benue State since its creation in 1976, since that time Igede people have been marginalized in Benue by successive administrations.
“Historically, we were in old Ogoja province, It was in 1922 that the colonial masters, for administrative convenience carved out part of Igede to join Benue State. As I talk to you now, the majority of our people are still in Cross River State in Yala Local Government.
“The message is that since we cannot have what is good for human beings in Benue State, then we have to trace our roots to old Ogoja province where Ogoja people are proposing to have Ogoja State,” he said.
Dr Benjamin Ukpa, President General of Omi Nyi’ Igede Development Association Worldwide, lamented the decades of marginalization Igede people have been going through in Benue State and declared support for the creation of Ogoja State.
“We are here today to let Nigeria know that due to marginalization in Benue State, we want to opt out of any state creation in Benue State.
“We want to move for the creation of Ogoja state where we have our kins, We are formally in Ogoja province, it is now time to go back home to meet our people” he declared.
Also lending their voices, were Comrade Cletus Aruta, President General, Omi Nyi’ Igede Youth Development Association, and the Wife of the Paramount ruler (Adirahwu Nyi’ Igede) Her Majesty Queen Esther Ogah.
“I stand to support what we presented today, which we have made our submission to the National Assembly. We are only here to lend our voice that this present place we are in is not a home.
“If you are home you will be treated like someone who is home, Igede people have been marginalized and neglected for long, and we are saying enough is enough, we want to go home to our former abode, Ogoja province,” Queen Ogah said.
“If we go back to Ogoja, we believe there are so many advantages we will have in terms of representation, especially in government, youth employment, it is better for us to go back to the proposed state than to remain in Benue,” Aruta noted.
Earlier speaking, Mr Ahmed Wase, Chairman, House Committee on the review of the Constitution, North Central, Centre B, comprising Nasarawa, Benue Plateau States and Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) said the committee would deliver a workable document that would meet the yearning and expectations of all Nigerians.
According to him, the committee is committed to delivering the exact messages and presentations made by various groups back to the parliament for consideration.
“I want to assure you that we will ensure that we give a very good document. Our quest and prayer is that let’s deliver a law and constitution that will protect, provide equitable, equality, and fairness to all citizens of Nigeria,” he said.
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