Create New Local Govts, Obono-Obla Advises Gov Otu

Former chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Barr. Okoi Obono-Obla, has urged the Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, to create more local government areas, citing Bauchi State’s recent move to establish 29 new councils as a model.

Obono-Obla said he believes this would promote equity, grassroots development, and administrative efficiency in Cross River State.

He averred that Cross River State was short-changed in the past, receiving only 18 local government areas, and suggested that areas such as Odukpani, Ikom, Yala, Boki, and others are large enough to warrant further subdivision.

Obono-Obla stressed that Section 8(3)(a-d) of the 1999 Constitution provides a clear framework for creating new local government areas.

He also referenced a landmark Supreme Court judgment that reaffirmed the procedure for such creation.

“This is a constitutional opportunity for Cross River State to correct historical imbalances, strengthen grassroots democracy, and bring governance closer to the people,” he said.

He also called on Governor Bassey Otu to take decisive and visionary action similar to the Bauchi model by initiating the process for the creation of additional local government areas in Cross River State.

“Moves of this nature would enhance equity, representation, and the overall development of the state,” he stated.