The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition Movement in Cross River State has strongly condemned the Akwa Ibom State Government and the APC-led Federal Government for the prolonged dispute over 76 oil wells, describing it as unjust and damaging to Cross River’s economic progress.
In a statement signed by Convener Austine Ibok on February 22, 2026, the group accused Akwa Ibom of unfair treatment toward its "parent state" in the ownership disagreement.
It argued that Cross River from which Akwa Ibom was created deserves equity in the sharing of natural resources.
The coalition highlighted the heavy economic losses suffered by Cross River, particularly in Bakassi and surrounding communities, where the absence of revenue from these wells continues to hinder development.
The ADC also criticized the Federal Government for failing to provide genuine, neutral leadership to resolve the conflict, noting the irony that both states are governed by the same party (APC) yet no meaningful political solution has been achieved.
While sharply rebuking the ruling party, the group commended Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for his persistent efforts to recover the state’s lost economic assets.
These include advances toward reviving the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort (recently retrieved from AMCON control) and renewed pushes to reclaim the disputed oil wells through updated boundary data and fairness arguments.
The coalition reiterated its resolve to work against the APC in the 2027 general elections and urged Governor Otu to consider aligning with the ADC to better protect and promote Cross River’s interests.
The dispute originated from Supreme Court rulings in 2012 that awarded the wells to Akwa Ibom following the cession of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, which altered Cross River’s littoral status.
Recent interagency reviews by RMAFC and new coordinate mappings have revived Cross River’s claims that many of the wells should belong to the state, though Akwa Ibom insists the earlier judgments remain final and binding.
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