I will vote against Obolo State Creation – Jumbo

… It’s a Distraction

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Clement Jimbo, has vowed to vote against the proposed creation of Obolo State from parts of Akwa Ibom, describing the agitation as selfish, divisive, and a distraction from the developmental goals of the state.

Jimbo, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, made his position clear in an exclusive interview with The Pioneer in Uyo. He said as a member of the Constitution Review Committee of the National Assembly, he would personally oppose any constitutional amendment to carve out Obolo State.

“The creation of a state in a democratic setting is an uphill task. Beyond that, Akwa Ibom’s immediate concern is not state creation but uniting to support Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which is a blueprint for the state’s development,” Jimbo stated.

He dismissed the agitation as lacking legitimacy and popular support, stressing that it has not received the endorsement of the state governor or other critical stakeholders.

“This agitation is dead on arrival. It will not see the light of day. It is an exercise in futility being driven by people who want to defraud their communities with false hope,” Jimbo said.

The proposal to create Obolo State—which would include parts of the present Oron Federal Constituency, Ibeno, and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas—has sparked intense debate across Akwa Ibom and on social media. Proponents argue for cultural autonomy, while opponents see it as a threat to the state’s unity.

Recently, prominent Ibibio socio-cultural leaders voiced strong opposition to the proposal at a Zonal Public Hearing on the 1999 Constitution Review held in Calabar. Led by His Eminence, Ntisong Pius James Okon, Ntisong IV of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, the delegation included representatives from Ifim Ibom Ibibio and other influential groups.

They argued that the proposed Obolo State would involve excising lands traditionally inhabited by the Ibibio people, describing the move as unacceptable and a threat to the cultural and historical identity of the Ibibio nation.

In a joint statement, the leaders urged the National Assembly to reject any attempt to alter Akwa Ibom’s territorial structure in a way that undermines its indigenous heritage.

Observers have lauded the Ibibio leadership for taking a bold stand, noting that the development reflects increasing ethnic consciousness and the need for culturally sensitive approaches in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review process.