By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed concern over what it described as inflammatory public statements by officials of the Cross River State Government on the lingering dispute over 76 oil wells, warning that media posturing could undermine efforts at an amicable resolution.
In a statement issued in response to recent developments, the Akwa Ibom Government disclosed that a meeting convened by Vice President Kashim Shettima had encouraged both Akwa Ibom and Cross River States to engage in dialogue and jointly recommend a political solution to the matter.
According to the statement, the Governor of Cross River State, in his capacity as Chairman of the South-South Progressive Governors’ Forum, was expected to initiate the reconciliation process by inviting Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to settlement talks.
However, the Akwa Ibom Government lamented that instead of embracing dialogue, the Cross River State Government allegedly chose to prosecute the issue through media platforms, issuing public statements capable of derailing the peace process.
The statement further alleged that several Cross River State officials had made what it termed “incendiary and patently false claims,” which it said have agitated the people of Akwa Ibom State and created unnecessary apprehension.
Reiterating its commitment to due process and peaceful coexistence, the Akwa Ibom Government recalled that the state had previously lost 86 oil wells to Rivers State following a Supreme Court judgment, a verdict it said was accepted in good faith without resort to public agitation.
“Akwa Ibom State has consistently demonstrated respect for the rule of law and judicial pronouncements,” the statement noted, adding that the state remains committed to a lawful and peaceful resolution of the current dispute.
The government urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and return to constructive engagement in the interest of regional stability and development in the South-South.
The Evangelist News
