Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has called for fairness in the ongoing process of relisting the state as an oil-producing region. Speaking to supporters at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, Otu said Cross River has made significant sacrifices for national unity and peace, emphasizing that the state deserves recognition in the oil-sector deliberations.
The call comes amid tensions between Cross River and Akwa Ibom over 76 oil wells, previously ceded to Akwa Ibom through Supreme Court rulings. While Akwa Ibom’s Attorney General, Uko Udom, has stated the wells legally belong to his state, Governor Otu stressed that Cross River would pursue all legitimate avenues to regain its status.
“Cross River has made sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity and peace; it deserves fairness, justice and full recognition as an oil-producing state. We are full-fledged Nigerians; our rights cannot be denied. The time has come for us to take what belongs to us,” Otu declared.
The governor also thanked Cross River residents for their support, noting, “Your solidarity is the strength behind our performance. Let me reaffirm the commitment of my administration to putting the people first at all times; our state shall continue to move forward.”
(NAN)
