Lawmaker Hails Tinubu’s Intervention In Disputed 245 Oil Wells Between Cross River, Akwa Ibom

Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has commended President Bola Tinubu for setting up an inter-agency committee to review the long-standing dispute over the ownership of 245 oil wells between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Senator Ekpenyong described the President’s decision as a “measured and institutional approach” that underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to due process, fairness, and cooperative federalism.

“After several years of anguish arising from the loss of our Bakassi Peninsula territory and the further adverse impact of the loss of oil wells on the revenue profile of Cross River State, I welcome the decision of President Bola Tinubu to constitute an inter-agency committee to carefully examine the issues presented by the Cross River State Government regarding the discovery of 245 oil wells within the state’s boundaries,” he said.

Ekpenyong expressed confidence that the committee’s work would be thorough, objective, and guided by facts and legal frameworks, adding that he expected its findings to be respected by all stakeholders.

“I have confidence that the committee’s report will be thorough, objective, and guided strictly by the facts and applicable legal frameworks, and that its findings will be respected by all parties,” the lawmaker stated.

He also commended the Cross River State Government for what he termed its dedication and professionalism in pursuing the matter through lawful and institutional means.

“I commend the dedication and professionalism of the Cross River State Government for its diligent work and handling of this matter by advancing our position through lawful and appropriate channels,” Ekpenyong added.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that the committee’s deliberations would foster mutual respect, cooperation, and long-term stability between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, which have been at the center of boundary and oil resource disputes for years.

“I look forward to a positive outcome of the deliberations and remain hopeful that the conclusions will strengthen cooperation, mutual respect, and long-term stability between the sister states of Cross River and Akwa Ibom,” he said.

The establishment of the committee marked a renewed effort by the Federal Government to address the complex legal and territorial issues that have affected Cross River’s economic fortunes since the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon and the subsequent reallocation of oil wells to thr neighbouring Akwa Ibom State.