By: Erewunmi Peace

The Akwa Ibom State Government has once again reaffirmed its legal ownership of 76 offshore oil wells, warning individuals and political actors—especially from Cross River State—against spreading misinformation or inciting the public over an issue already resolved by the Supreme Court.

In a firm statement released by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN), the government emphasized that the matter of ownership was conclusively settled in two Supreme Court judgments — in 2005 and again in 2012, both of which upheld Akwa Ibom’s ownership and declared Cross River a non-littoral state.

“We urge the public to disregard any misleading statements suggesting renewed claims or negotiations over the oil wells. The Supreme Court has spoken. The law is clear,” the statement read.

Legal Background

The 76 oil wells were previously a point of legal and political contention between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. However, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in its final verdicts, established that Akwa Ibom State holds rightful ownership, especially following the 2007 judgment that formally removed Cross River’s access to the sea after the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

Government’s Warning

The Akwa Ibom government called out what it described as “deliberate incitement and a reckless disregard for judicial authority,” urging political leaders and stakeholders in Cross River to refrain from actions that could threaten peaceful coexistence.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace and unity, the state warned that it would not tolerate further attempts to distort facts or revisit settled constitutional matters.

“The government remains committed to protecting its resources and territory, and will not allow legally resolved issues to be politicized for any reason,” the Attorney General concluded.