Gov Umoh Eno Reassures Akwa Ibom Residents Amid Renewed Oil Wells Dispute With Cross River

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has moved to calm rising tensions over the disputed oil wells with neighbouring Cross River State, assuring residents that there is no reason for concern.

Speaking to journalists on arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport, the governor maintained that his administration remains firmly in control of the situation. He emphasised that two separate Supreme Court judgments have unequivocally affirmed Akwa Ibom’s ownership of the oil wells, including the 76 currently under contention.

According to him, no amount of propaganda or emotional appeal can invalidate the apex court’s rulings. He further clarified that Akwa Ibom does not share maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroon, a position he said has been upheld twice by the Supreme Court.

Governor Eno expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, stating that the President holds the rule of law in high regard and would ensure that established judicial decisions are respected.

He urged citizens to remain calm, stressing that the issue is grounded in verified legal pronouncements rather than sentiments. The governor argued that if emotions were to dictate territorial claims, Cross River would equally have grounds to contest certain Ibibio-speaking communities in Itu Local Government Area, yet such matters have long been settled.

Reaffirming his faith in due process, Eno stated that Supreme Court decisions on the matter cannot simply be disregarded. He underscored that the facts surrounding the oil wells are clear and cannot be altered by narratives aimed at stirring public sentiment.

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) had earlier dismissed reports suggesting that the oil wells were ceded to Cross River State, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading. Aligning with the commission’s position, the governor reiterated that established facts remain binding and urged residents to trust in lawful procedures and federal leadership.