Efiks Give Notice To Secede From Nigeria

by crossriverwatch admin

Efik Ebrutu Royal family has given notice of plans by the Efik nation to pull out from Nigeria following prolonged acts of injustice and oppression meted out to the Efiks who are currently part of Cross River State to form their own nation.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, High Chief Eyo Bassey Eyo Cobham who spoke on behalf of the Royal delegation said after due assessment of the plight of the Efiks in Nigeria, “We, the Efiks Ethnic Nationality have resolved to pull out of the geographical expression called Nigeria which has, for over 100 years now turned us to punching bags socially, economically and politically”.

Chief Eyo Cobham said top on the grudges of the Efiks for planning to leave Nigeria is the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula which is an integral part of the Efik nation without consulting or seeking the consent of the Efik people. “The Bakassi Peninsula which is an integral part of Efik Ebrutu Kingdom as shown in all available records was secretly and heartlessly expunged from Nigeria, this action has demonstrated that our people are not wanted in Nigeria and our people do not want to belong to Cameroon either”.

Chief Eyo Cobham stated that the effect of the ceding has brought untold pain and suffering to the Efik Ebrutu people and this has angered the spirit of the ancestors in the ceded territory who are now roaming and refusing to be appeased.

He also pointed out that their continued oppression and suppression through the bastardization of Efik kingship without reference to the tradition of the Efik people is another factor that is pulling the people out of the Nigeria nation. “Today, the Efik Monarch – the Obong of Calabar has no traditional authority and domain due to the bastardization of the throne and the entire Efik kingdom by Nigerian government”.

High Chief Eyo Cobham said by these oppressive acts and tendencies of the Nigerian State, “We, the Efik Ebrutu people say enough is enough and have decided to take our destiny in our hands peaceably by pulling out of Nigeria”. He concluded.

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