ADC Chieftain Berates Ruling Party Over Cross River, Akwa Ibom Oil Well Dispute

A member of the opposition coalition, African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State, Mr Austine Ibok, has berated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over its inability to resolve the lingering face-off between two sister states, which are all governed by the party.

Cross River and Akwa Ibom States have been locked in a renewed bitter feud over the ownership of 76 oil wells which the Supreme Court,ruled in 2012 in favour of Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement issued yesterday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, the convener of ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River State, Ibok condemned the alleged failure of the APC led federal government to deploy what he described as a sincere political solution in resolving the oil well dispute.

Ibok stated that it was disappointing that, despite shared political alignment, the federal government did not demonstrate the leadership, neutrality, and statesmanship required to achieve an amicable resolution.

“This inaction has prolonged economic hardship and stalled developmental opportunities for our state”, Ibok maintained.

Ibok, who recently defected from APC, however, lauded Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State for what he called unwavering determination in pursuing the recovery of the lost assets, including the Tinapa Business Resort and the disputed 76 oil wells.

“The governor’s commitment to reclaiming these critical economic assets reflects a desire to reposition the State for prosperity and self-reliance.”

The ADC politician condemned the Government of Akwa Ibom State, describing them as greedy and selfish, adding that they are unfair to Cross River State.

“The continued deprivation of our rightful economic assets is not only unjust but detrimental to the development of our people, especially in Bakassi and other affected communities,” he maintained.

Ibok called on all citizens of the state at home and in the diaspora to rise above partisan interests and unite in support of the state government’s efforts to recover their economic rights, saying the call was not a partisan struggle but a collective fight for justice, economic survival, and the future of their children.