By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
The Convener ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River State, Mr Austine Ibok, has called on all Cross Riverians, both at home and in the diaspora, traditional rulers as well as other stakeholders 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.
According to him, “this is not a partisan struggle; it is a collective fight for justice, economic survival, and the future of our children”.
He made the appeal in a statement signed and issued by him under the ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River State.
The statement is to address the lingering oil well dispute and related matters affecting the growth, unity, and economic prosperity of our dear state.
He said, “we strongly condemn the Government of Akwa Ibom State for what we consider an act of greed, selfishness, and unfair treatment toward Cross River State. 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”.
Furthermore, “we condemn 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, Ibok added”.
He regretted that “this inaction has prolonged economic hardship and stalled developmental opportunities for our state”.
“However, we commend the Governor of Cross River State 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”.
“His commitment to reclaiming these critical economic facilities reflects a genuine desire to reposition Cross River State for prosperity and self-reliance, added”.
“Notwithstanding, we will still challenge and vote APC out everywhere; we will appeal to the Governor to choose the right party to avoid the bandwagon effect of the ADC coalition in 2027”.
Finally, the statement added that “the ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River State and Bakassi Local Government calls on all lovers of Cross River State to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the credible and viable alternative in 2027”.
The statement noted that “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”.
He said that “the time has come for decisive change, responsible leadership, and a renewed commitment to justice for Cross River State”.
