Amid growing concern over the renewed attempt by the Cross River State Government to reclaim the 76 oil wells that were ceded to Akwa Ibom in 2012, Governor Umo Eno has sued for calm, saying everything is under control.
Speaking at the March edition of Government House Monthly Prayer Service, he noted that the issue had been to the Supreme Court twice and both ruled in favour of the Akwa Ibom State government.
He said there was no cause for alarm, as the case had been previously handled, but urged everyone to remain in the place of prayer for God to guide leaders to make the right decisions each time.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 in favour of Akwa Ibom State in the dispute involving the rightful ownership of the oil wells, dismissing Cross River’s appeal.
Justice Olufunlola Adekeye, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that Cross River lost its status as a littoral state following the cession of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon in 2008.
Consequently, the state was deemed ineligible to claim offshore oil wells.
Governor Eno also called on Akwa Ibom people to desist from disparaging leaders at any level, stressing that such was discouraging and could make leaders not put in their best.
He advised Akwa Ibom people to avoid meddling in matters that they don’t have a full understanding of, adding that such could be disastrous both to the individual, and the state as a whole.
“About the oil wells, let’s keep praying; let’s keep trusting God. Keep praying to God; keep praying for the success of our president and that God will continue to grant him the wisdom to do the right thing.
“Let’s take it easy and go to God. He has not lost any battle and I know he won’t start with Akwa Ibom. What God has given to us belongs to us. So these are our fundamental beliefs”.
He said Oron Federal Constituency will host the next town hall meeting and urged them to maintain the tempo experienced in the first one held at Abak Federal Constituency.
He also urged those interested in handling jobs for the state to take advantage of the procurement portal, register and be part of the development trajectory in the state.
In his homily, the Presiding Pastor of Beautiful Gate Family Church, Eket, Pastor Bolaji AdeIsrael, who ministered on the topic, “The Battle Belongs to the Lord”, said life is full of battles and advised believers to stand on the promises of God and not give up.
The monthly prayer service featured choir renditions, praises and prayers for the peace and progress of the state and the country at large.
