Oil Wells Tussle: Cross River HoS Presses Tinubu for Resolution
By Inemesit FRIDAY
The Cross River State Head of Service, Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the protracted ownership dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom over 76 oil wells, insisting that only a political solution can guarantee lasting peace.
Addressing journalists in Calabar at a press briefing to commence the 2025 Civil Service Week, Eteng maintained that geography, maritime boundaries, and historical evidence point to the fact that the oil wells are situated in the Bakassi area still under Nigeria’s jurisdiction.
“In the face of such overwhelming glaring facts, the oil wells rightly belong to Cross River. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court judgment on this matter relied on misleading information and submissions by the National Boundary Commission,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the state’s workforce, Eteng appealed to President Tinubu to acknowledge the huge sacrifices made by Cross River during the ceding of parts of Bakassi to Cameroon, stressing that resolving the matter would be a demonstration of fairness and equity.
According to him, ending the dispute would boost the state’s dwindling federal allocation, enabling the government to meet pressing development needs and improve citizens’ welfare.
Turning to the Civil Service Week, Eteng explained that the programme was aimed at recognising the dignity of labour and celebrating the hard work, commitment, and excellence of civil servants.
He called on workers to reciprocate government’s efforts, citing the recent approval of a N70,000 minimum wage, prompt promotions, and other welfare packages.
“Governor Bassey Otu has prioritised staff welfare. Over 200 retiring workers have been trained in entrepreneurship and agriculture and given N500,000 each as start-up grants. Plans are also underway to provide official vehicles for permanent secretaries,” Eteng stated.
He added that the administration was committed to restoring the globally acceptable standards, discipline, decorum and due process that once defined the Cross River State public service.
