Gov Eno, Akpanudoedehe clash over Akwa Ibom–Cross River oil wells dispute

2026-03-02 - 18:27

...Ex-senator warns against concession as governor dismisses criticism By Egufe Yafugborhi UYO — The lingering dispute over oil wells between Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State has sparked a public war of words between Governor Umo Eno and former senator John Akpanudoedehe. Akpanudoedehe, who represented Akwa Ibom North-East in the Senate from 1999 to 2003, accused the governor of mishandling the controversy surrounding 76 disputed oil wells, warning that any concession to Cross River would be unforgivable. In a viral Facebook video, the former senator criticised the governor’s engagement with stakeholders and alleged that the inter-ministerial committee verifying oil well locations had reached conclusions unfavourable to Akwa Ibom. “If you allow these 76 oil wells to be taken away from us, you will not be forgiven... I have the interest of Akwa Ibom people at heart,” he said. He also invoked the legacy of former governor Victor Attah, noting that the state retained its oil assets during Attah’s tenure through firm resistance. Responding at a public event in Uyo, Governor Eno dismissed the remarks as politically motivated and accused the ex-senator of seeking attention through social media. “Who are you that I should pick your phone? ... Must everything be politics? At this time, we need prayers and work,” Eno said. The governor further described his critic as a “content creator” seeking online traffic for financial gain, adding that such public attacks were unhelpful to the state’s collective interest. Despite the heated exchanges, Eno urged unity and prayers, stressing that the oil wells dispute affects the entire state and requires collaborative efforts rather than political grandstanding. The renewed tensions highlight the high stakes in the resource control debate in the Niger Delta, where oil revenue remains central to state finances and regional development.