Oil Wells: No Propaganda Can Overturn Akwa Ibom’s Ownership Rights — Eno

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reassured residents that the state’s rights to its oil wells remain secure, noting that no amount of propaganda or public sentiment can overturn the rulings of the Supreme Court.

The dispute arises from Cross River State contesting ownership of the oil wells following the 2008 loss of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, which rendered the state non-littoral. In 2012, a Supreme Court judgment affirmed that 76 oil wells belong to Akwa Ibom, but Cross River claims that updated mapping and geological data place 67 of the wells within its territory.

Addressing journalists upon arrival at Victor Attah International Airport, Governor Eno expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, praising his commitment to the rule of law. He stated, “There are two Supreme Court judgments that give Akwa Ibom State the right to those oil wells. We are not sharing maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroon, as confirmed twice by the Supreme Court.”

He urged calm, stressing that any propaganda from opposing parties cannot alter established legal facts. “This is not about sentiments. Facts are sacrosanct and cannot be overridden by narratives,” Eno said, reiterating his belief that Supreme Court decisions will be respected.

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has also dismissed claims that the oil wells were ceded to Cross River State, describing such reports as misleading.