A member of the opposition coalition party, African Democratic Party, ADC in Cross River State, Austine Ibok has berated the national ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, for the inability to resolve the lingering faceoff between two sister states, which are all governed by the party.
Cross River and Akwa A’Ibom States have been locked in a renewed bitter quarrel over ownership of 76 oil wells which the country’s apex court, the Supreme Court, ruled in 2012 in favour of Akwa Ibom States.
In a statement issued in Calabar, capital of Cross River State, on Sunday, the convener of ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River State, Ibok condemned the alleges failure of the APC led Federal Government to deploy what he described as a sincere political solution in resolving the oil well dispute.
Ibok said it was disappointing that, despite shared political alignment, the Federal Government did not demonstrated the leadership, neutrality, and statesmanship required to achieve an amicable resolution.
“This inaction has prolonged economic hardship and stalled developmental opportunities for our state”, he stated.
Ibok who recently defected from APC, however, commended 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.
According to him, 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, selfishness, adding that they are unfair toward 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 said.
He called on all citizens 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.
He vowed, however, that ADC will rally the people to vote out APC, and that they will lobby Gov Otu to look away from APC.
“We will appeal to the Governor to choose the right party to avoid the bandwagon effect of the ADC coalition in 2027. The time has come for decisive change, responsible leadership, and a renewed commitment to justice for Cross River State.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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