Convener, ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River State, Mr. Austine Ibok.
By Anietie Akpan
An opposition party in Cross River state, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has thrown its weight behind Governor Bassey Otu of the state in the struggle to reclaim disputed 76 oil wells and other assets of the state.
A statement by the ADC Coalition Movement in the state and made available to some newsmen in Calabar on Sunday, February 22, commend Governor Otu, “for his courage, ruggedness, and unwavering determination in pursuing the recovery of our lost assets, including the Tinapa Business Resort and the disputed 76 oil wells”.
The statement which was endorsed by the Convener of the ADC Coalition Movement in the state, Mr. Austine Ibok, said, the Governor’s commitment “to reclaiming these critical economic facilities reflects a genuine desire to reposition Cross River State for prosperity and self-reliance.
“Notwithstanding, we will vote APC out across all levels, we will advice the Governor to choose the right party, and see ADC as the most viable to avoid the bandwagon effect of the ADC coalition movement in 2027.
“Furthermore, we call on all Cross Riverians, citizens at home and in the diaspora, traditional rulers, youths, women groups, civil society organizations, and political parties irrespective of affiliation, to rise above partisan interests and unite in support of the state government’s efforts to recover our economic rights. This is not a partisan struggle; it is a collective fight for justice, economic survival, and the future of our children”.
The ADC coalition condemned the position of Akwa Ibom State over the 76 oil wells saying, “Cross River, as the mother state from which Akwa Ibom was created, deserves fairness, equity and brotherly consideration in matters concerning shared resources, particularly the disputed oil wells.
“The continued deprivation of our rightful economic assets is not only unjust but detrimental to the development of our people, especially in Bakassi and other affected communities”.
The party also condemned the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to deploy a sincere political solution in resolving the oil well dispute between two sister states governed by the same political party.
“It is disappointing that, despite shared political alignment, the Federal Government has not demonstrated the leadership, neutrality, and statesmanship required to achieve an amicable resolution. This inaction has prolonged economic hardship and stalled developmental opportunities for our state”, Ibok said.
The ADC Coalition Movement in the state and Bakassi Local Government therefore called on all lovers of Cross River State “to align with the ADC as the credible and viable alternative in 2027.
“The welfare and dignity of our state must not continue to suffer due to poor leadership and a lack of political will at the federal level. We firmly believe that a new federal government under the leadership of the ADC will prioritize dialogue, fairness, and political solutions in resolving disputes such as the oil well matter, ensuring that both sister states benefit equitably in the true spirit of unity and federalism.
“The time has come for decisive change, responsible leadership, and a renewed commitment to justice for Cross River State”.
