The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State Chapter, has urged all elected representatives of the state in the National Assembly to defend and protect the collective interests of Cross River State over the status of its disputed oil wells.
IPAC also cautioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other public officials to exercise restraint in public statements concerning matters linked to Cross River State’s territorial, economic and oil-related interests.
Key Highlights
- Cross River IPAC urges National Assembly members to defend the state’s interests over disputed oil wells.
- The group cautions Senate President Godswill Akpabio over public remarks on the issue.
- IPAC says the oil wells remain economically important to Cross River State.
- The council calls for unity among Cross River’s senators and House of Representatives members.
- IPAC says public statements by national leaders should promote national unity and mutual respect.
- The group insists Cross River’s hospitality should not be interpreted as a willingness to compromise its legitimate interests.
- IPAC advocates dialogue and peaceful engagement to resolve the dispute.
IPAC Raises Concern Over Cross River Oil Wells
State Chairman of IPAC, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Friday.
Okon said the council had observed with concern recent discussions and commentaries surrounding the status of the oil wells and related issues of resource ownership, representation and economic interests.
He said public statements by highly placed leaders carry significant weight and should be made in a manner that promotes mutual respect, national unity and confidence among affected communities.
“Public statements from highly placed leaders carry considerable weight and should always promote mutual respect, national unity, and confidence among affected communities,” Okon said.
Cross River Representatives Urged to Protect State Interests
While acknowledging the contributions of national leaders and the cordial relationship between neighbouring states, Okon reminded Cross River’s elected representatives that their primary responsibility is to protect the interests of the people they represent.
“As the umbrella body of registered political parties in the state, IPAC wishes to remind [them] that the issue of Cross River State’s oil wells remains a matter of significant economic importance to the state and its people,” he stated.
Okon said every action, statement, negotiation or legislative engagement concerning the disputed oil wells should be guided by justice, equity, constitutional responsibility and the welfare of Cross River residents.
IPAC Calls for Unity Among Cross River Lawmakers
IPAC called on all senators and members of the House of Representatives representing Cross River State to demonstrate unity of purpose and speak with one voice on matters affecting the state’s economic future.
According to Okon, residents expect visible commitment, accountability and proactive engagement from their representatives in protecting what the council described as the state’s legitimate interests.
He urged the lawmakers to place the collective interests of Cross River above personal, partisan or sectional considerations when dealing with the oil wells issue.
Group Cautions Akpabio Over Public Remarks
IPAC specifically urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other public officials to exercise caution when commenting publicly on sensitive matters concerning Cross River State’s territorial, economic and oil interests.
The council said remarks from senior political leaders could influence public perception and relations among neighbouring communities and states.
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IPAC therefore appealed for statements and actions that would encourage dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful resolution of disagreements.
Cross River’s Hospitality Should Not Be Misinterpreted
Okon said Cross River State had a long history of hospitality, peaceful coexistence and accommodation of people from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
However, he maintained that the state’s disposition toward peaceful coexistence should not be interpreted as an acceptance of actions that could compromise its legitimate rights and economic interests.
“This spirit of brotherhood should never be interpreted as a basis for diminishing or compromising the legitimate rights, resources, and aspirations of the state and its people,” he said.
IPAC Advocates Dialogue Over Oil Wells Dispute
The council said it remained committed to constructive dialogue, democratic engagement and peaceful advocacy in pursuing policies and decisions that would promote the development and prosperity of Cross River State.
IPAC urged all parties involved in the oil wells controversy to pursue lawful and peaceful avenues for addressing outstanding issues while protecting the interests of affected communities and the state.
The council’s position comes amid renewed public discussions over the status of oil resources linked to Cross River State and the wider questions of territorial boundaries, resource ownership and revenue interests.
