Governor Otu Rallies Elders In Fight To Reclaim Cross River’s Oil Wells From Akwa Ibom Dispute
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, used a weekend “State of the Union” address in Calabar to galvanize elders and stakeholders, urging them to unite behind his administration’s battle to reverse the state’s controversial removal from the oil-producing bloc— a decision he attributed to a long-standing dispute with neighboring Akwa Ibom State.
At the high-powered gathering, attended by former governors Donald Duke and Pam Ogar, ex-deputy governors, lawmakers, and current Deputy Governor Peter Odey, Otu zeroed in on the oil well controversy.
He described Cross River’s 2021 deletion from the list of oil-producing states as a “malicious injustice” rooted in flawed claims over offshore resources tied to the Calabar estuary and the Nigerian-Cameroon maritime boundary.
“We came up to say no,” Otu declared, rejecting Akwa Ibom’s position that Cross River lacks littoral rights. He argued that modern hydrographic mapping and inter-agency reviews confirm Cross River’s seaward coastline entitles it to these assets.
“Nature does not lie. Seaward coastlines speak. Oil is not stagnant,” he emphasized, expressing optimism that ongoing federal engagements under the current administration would restore the state’s status and revenue share.
While highlighting achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, education, tourism, and security, Otu framed the oil dispute as the pivotal struggle ahead. Quoting wartime resolve—“We shall fight… we shall never surrender”—he warned against disunity that could let “injustice disguised as diplomacy or technicality” prevail.
He called for collective action across political lines, invoking unity as “the first pillar of enduring governance” and accountability to “Heaven” for justice.
In a passionate close, Otu challenged leaders: “We must be strong, brave, devoted, patriotic and united enough to protect Cross Riverians. If we don’t, who will? If not now, when?” The event underscored his plea for patience and solidarity as the state pushes to reclaim its place among Niger Delta oil producers.