EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS: A THUNDEROUS BATTLE CRY FOR FREEDOM AND VENGEANCE

A COMMUNIQUE BY COALITION OF ORO YOUTHS ON THE OBNOXIOUS LEGISLATION AND GOVERNOR UDOM’S CONSENT ON THE ILLEGAL REMAPPING OF AKWA IBOM STATE

DATE: MAY 23, 2023

On May 23rd, 1925, 88 courageous and visionary men joined forces to establish a union aimed at combating oppression, slavery, and marginalization, while fostering community development through education, communal relationships, administration, and commerce. Today, after nearly 98 years, Oro still suffers from severe marginalization. Beyond the realms of underdevelopment and enduring months without electricity, our secondary school students lack an ICT center or e-learning facilities to enhance their education, and the government's presence in our community remains nonexistent since the advent of democracy. As a peaceful and reasonable community, we have watched and hoped for change. Even when our status as an oil-producing community was stripped of its rightful benefits, and our waterways were surrendered through the water resources law, we maintained our composure and placed our trust in the government. We stood firm despite broken promises of mechanized farming, improved healthcare, and accessible roads, even when we were singled out and labeled as "mbon Oron." However, it seems that the government has taken advantage of our commitment to peace. We must remind the government that while we value and “maintain peace”, we will not tolerate injustice and oppression.

Furthermore, it is crucial to note that the remapping process originated from an initial resolution by certain individuals who sought to disrupt peace—a resolution that the court promptly dismissed. Undeterred, they sought to push their agenda through the legislative arm. On April 20, 2023, the governor signed the bill into law. It is against this backdrop that we, the Coalition of Oro Youths, rise as a united force.

Given these circumstances and grievances, we, the Coalition of Oro Youths comprising of all major youth groups in Oro Nation, hereby declare the following resolutions:

1. REJECTION OF THE REMAPPING LAW:
We categorically reject the law for remapping and boundary adjustment that affects Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, Okobo, and Mbo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. This law, devoid of popular consultation and the consent of the affected Local Government Areas, aims to marginalize and oppress our communities. We view it as a deliberate and reprehensible attempt to undermine communal ties, disregard the rule of law, and perpetuate oppression.

2. LEGAL INVALIDITY:
We highlight the fact that the law fails to meet the minimum legal requirements for remapping, as outlined in Section 8(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The absence of a boundary adjustment request supported by two-thirds of the members of the House of Assembly and two-thirds of the affected Local Government Areas undermines the legitimacy of the remapping exercise.

3. ABSENCE OF DEMAND FOR REMAPPING:
To the best of our knowledge, none of the littoral Local Government Areas—Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, Okobo, or Mbo—has requested a boundary adjustment, nor have their consent been sought. We affirm that the Oro people have neither supported nor initiated any request for selective remapping. The attempt to annex villages from the littoral Local Government Areas into other regions of the state is viewed as an act of greed and a blatant violation of our rights.

4. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
We demand transparency and accountability from the lawmakers and proponents of the law. We seek answers regarding the law’s initiators and their motivations. The lack of sincere answers to these questions raises concerns about the intentions and integrity of those involved.

5. PROTECTION OF COASTLINES AND ECOLOGY:
We emphasize the importance of safeguarding the coastal areas, preserving the ecological balance, and maintaining the tranquility of our beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Any action that jeopardizes the ecological integrity and the well-being of our intertidal zones will be vehemently opposed.

6. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE:
We draw attention to our history and the valiant actions of our ancestors who defended our territory against encroachments by the British Admiralty in the 18th century. We are resolute in upholding their legacy and protecting our ancestral lands.

7. CALL FOR IMMEDIATE HALT:
We demand an immediate cessation of all activities related to the law and strict adherence to constitutional provisions. We urge the lawmakers to reconsider their position and work towards the betterment of our communities, rather than engaging in actions that sow discord and breed crises.

8. URGENT DEMAND FOR THE IMMEDIATE APPREHENSION OF CONSPIRATORS AND CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATORS:

In light of the audacious transgressions committed by those who shamelessly endorsed this law, brazenly disregarding the laws of the esteemed Federal Republic of Nigeria, we vehemently demand the Inspector General of Police to promptly apprehend and detain all individuals involved in this unholy act without any delay. The individuals who must face justice are as follows: the Clerk of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the Surveyor General of the state, along with the dishonorable members representing the following constituencies: Eket State constituency—David Lawrence, Oruk Anam State constituency—Udo Kierian Akpan, Etinan State constituency—Bar. Anefiok Dennis Akpan, Onna State Constituency—Otuekong Nse Essien, Nsit Atai State constituency—Mark Esset, Mkpat Enin State Constituency—Victor Ekwere, Ibiono Ibom State Constituency—Godwin Ekpo, Nsit Ibom State constituency—Otobong Bob, Itu State constituency—Kufreabasi Edidem, and Uduak Udoudoh representing Ikot Abasi-Eastern Obolo. Furthermore, as the expiration of his immunity on May 29, 2023, looms near, we fervently insist on the immediate apprehension of the governor of Akwa Ibom state. We demand swift and decisive action to restore justice and uphold the unwavering integrity of our great nation.

In conclusion, we stand united in vehemently rejecting the law for remapping and boundary adjustment affecting the littoral Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. We call upon all relevant stakeholders, including government authorities, to respect our rights, safeguard our coastlines, and uphold the principles of justice and fairness.

Signed:

The outgoing Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, hates Oro people with passion.

May God help Oro nation.

This too shall pass.