The Orashi National Congress (ONC) has formally distanced itself from the proposed creation of Orashi State in Nigeria’s South East region, asserting that any state creation involving the Orashi people must be within the South South geopolitical zone.
In a statement issued by the President General of the Congress, Snr. Comrade Amb. Emeni Ibe, the group emphasized that the call for Orashi State originated from the South East and does not represent the aspirations of the Orashi people in the South South.
“We are not involved in any agitation for Orashi State in the South East. We are Southerners, and we will remain in the South South. If we demand a state, it will be within our rightful region” Ibe stated firmly.
The Orashi region, known for its vast oil and gas reserves, plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economic landscape. The ONC stressed that any administrative restructuring or state creation that involves the Orashi people must recognize their South South identity and economic significance.
The stand of the Congress comes amid broader discussions on state creation across Nigeria, with various ethnic and regional groups pushing for administrative adjustments to enhance representation and development.
However, the ONC insists that its interests must align with the historical, cultural, and economic realities of the South South region.
The statement from the ONC therefore, serves as a clear message to policy makers and agitators that any move to alter administrative boundaries must be based on proper consultations and respect for the identity of the people involved.