|By Adejumo Adekunle
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State, Austine Ibok, has blasted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over what he described as its failure to end the lingering dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states over 76 oil wells.
Ibok, who convenes the ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River, accused the APC-led Federal Government of lacking the political will and neutrality required to broker a lasting settlement, despite both states being governed by the party.
The two oil-producing neighbours have remained at loggerheads over the ownership of 76 oil wells, a dispute settled by the Supreme Court in 2012 in favour of Akwa Ibom State. However, Cross River stakeholders have continued to agitate for political intervention, citing economic implications for the state.
In a statement issued Sunday in Calabar, Ibok faulted the Federal Government for what he termed a failure to deploy a sincere political solution to complement the court’s verdict.
He argued that the inaction has deepened economic hardship and stalled development in Cross River State.
“It is disappointing that despite shared political alignment, the Federal Government has not demonstrated the leadership, neutrality and statesmanship needed to achieve an amicable resolution. This inaction has prolonged economic hardship and stalled developmental opportunities for our state,” Ibok stated.
The ADC figure, who recently defected from the APC, commended Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as unwavering resolve in pursuing the recovery of key state assets, including the Tinapa Business Resort and the disputed oil wells.
According to him, the governor’s push to reclaim strategic economic assets signals a broader plan to reposition Cross River for prosperity and self-reliance.
Ibok also took a swipe at the Akwa Ibom State Government, accusing it of acting unfairly in the protracted dispute. He described the continued control of the oil wells as detrimental to Cross River’s development, particularly in Bakassi and other impacted communities.
“The continued deprivation of our rightful economic assets is not only unjust but harmful to the development of our people,” he said.
Calling for unity, Ibok urged Cross River indigenes at home and in the diaspora to rise above partisan divides and support the state government’s efforts to reclaim what he called its economic rights.
He stressed that the agitation transcends party politics and represents a collective struggle for justice, economic survival and the future of the state.
Ibok further declared that the ADC would mobilise voters to unseat the APC in 2027, adding that the coalition would appeal to Governor Otu to reconsider his political alignment ahead of the next general elections.
“The time has come for decisive change, responsible leadership and a renewed commitment to justice for Cross River State,” he said.
