Former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has declared his full support for Governor Bassey Otu and Cross River State on all constitutional and legal efforts to reclaim the disputed 76 oil wells and protect the state’s hydrocarbon interests.
Ndoma-Egba, in a statement issued in Calabar, condemned what he described as deliberate attempts by some individuals to misrepresent his position on the Bakassi Peninsula and the loss of the oil wells, saying such actions were aimed at blackmail and distortion of facts.
He stated unequivocally that he stands firmly with Governor Otu, the government, and the people of Cross River State in pursuing lawful and institutional processes to defend the state’s legitimate territorial and economic interests.
The former Senate Leader said attempts to selectively quote his past Senate contributions were designed to create a false impression of disloyalty, stressing that his interventions at the time were guided strictly by constitutional provisions, national interest, and respect for international obligations.
Ndoma-Egba described the Bakassi issue as a deeply sensitive historical, territorial, and economic matter, noting that the loss of the peninsula resulted in displacement of communities, reduced maritime access, and severe economic consequences for Cross River State.
He emphasized that his advocacy over the years has consistently focused on fairness in revenue derivation, transparent boundary demarcation, and protection of sub-national interests within the framework of the law.
Clarifying perceived differences between his past Senate position and his current stance, Ndoma-Egba said advances in scientific, geological, and geospatial data have provided stronger evidence supporting Cross River State’s claims to hydrocarbon assets.
He noted that modern geological mapping and basin analysis show that petroleum systems are defined by sedimentary basin structures and reservoir continuity, not by administrative or political classifications such as littoral status.
The senior lawyer further explained that the 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) addressed only boundary delimitation between Nigeria and Cameroon and did not determine issues relating to oil well ownership, derivation rights, or internal petroleum resource attribution within Nigeria.
He also argued that the administrative transfer of certain oil wells to Akwa Ibom State under the 2008 Oil Dichotomy Model Map was not based on judicial determination, but on administrative adjustments that require further scientific and institutional review.
Ndoma-Egba commended Governor Otu for pursuing evidence-based and lawful processes, including scientific verification, geodetic surveys, and inter-agency technical reviews, to safeguard Cross River State’s interests.
He called on stakeholders to avoid misinformation and political manipulation, urging unity and collective resolve, and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the government and people of Cross River State in pursuing justice through constitutional and legal means.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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