The current contention between the Government of Cross River State and its neighbour, Akwa Ibom State, over the ownership of the 76 oil wells in the controversial maritime boundary between the two states continues to cause ripples. The dispute is a throw back to the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirming the ownership of the oil wells to the Akwa Ibom State Government.
But as both governors Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State lead the charge in making representations to make their cases, there are issues being raised on the roles that the then Leader of the 7th Senate, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, played in his capacity as the most senior member of that Senate from Cross River State. Did Ndoma-Egba renege on his position on the 76 oil wells?
Controversy
A Facebook post by one Atuekong Paul Bassey last week Friday highlighted a remark supposedly credited to Ndoma-Egba insinuating that the former Senate Leader was in the support of the decision to cede that Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon and subsequently the loss of the 76 oil wells to the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The post reads in full: “In many ways, Bakassi is now part of the Cameroon following the judgment of the ICJ (International Court of Justice). The Supreme Court (of Nigeria) also delivered its judgment. We are a law-abiding people. Since we are law-abiding, we accept the judgment of the Supreme Court concerning the 76 oil wells. The least Nigeria can do is to protect and compensate Cross River State.”
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Ndoma-Egba responds
Ndoma-Egba said the post followed his recent position declaring his total support to the efforts by Governor Otu to reclaim the oils wells back to Cross River State from Akwa Ibom State. The former Senate Leader stressed that the attempt to distort his position on the Bakassi issue as delivered on the floor of the Senate during his tenure, as the Senate Leader, was, “a deliberate blackmail to create a sense of disloyalty.”
Ndoma-Egba’s press release affirming his support to Governor Otu’s effort to recover the oil wells and discrediting the alleged blackmail said: “My attention has been drawn to attempts by certain individuals to misrepresent my position and blackmail me over the sensitive and historic issues surrounding Bakassi and the 76 oil wells.
“Let me state clearly, unequivocally, and without ambiguity that I stand firmly and completely with His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, and the government and people of Cross River State on all matters concerning Bakassi and our rightful 76 oil wells.
“The Bakassi issue is not a matter for political manipulation, distortion, or cheap blackmail. It is a deeply emotional and historic concern that touches on the dignity, territorial integrity, economic survival, and collective heritage of our people. At all times, my commitment has been to the protection of Cross River State’s interests within the bounds of the law, constitutional order, and national unity.
“Throughout my years of public service in the Senate, I have consistently demonstrated loyalty to Cross River State and unwavering dedication to its progress. I will not be distracted by baseless insinuations or politically motivated narratives aimed at sowing division.
“Governor Otu has shown courage and clarity in defending the legitimate interests of our state, and I fully support him in all lawful and constitutional efforts being pursued to protect Cross River’s rights regarding Bakassi and the 76 oil wells.
“Let it be known that no amount of blackmail, innuendo, or media manipulation can alter my unwavering commitment to Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the Government of Cross River State. Those peddling falsehoods should desist immediately. The people of Cross River are discerning. They know who has consistently stood for them. And they will not be misled.
This is a time for unity, not division. The people of Cross River State deserve leadership that is focused, responsible, and united in purpose as this of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
“I therefore call on all stakeholders to rise above politics and act in the collective interest of our state. Cross River State must remain united. Our cause is just. And we shall pursue it with firmness and resolve. Cross River must stand together.”
Delivery on the floor of the Senate
The video of Senator Ndoma-Egba’s delivery on the floor of the Nigerian Senate on the issues of the Bakassi and oil wells is presented below:
Conclusion
Ndoma-Egba’s position on the Bakassi ceding to Cameroon based on the judgment of the International Court of Justice was that the Federal Government hurried in its decision to cede Bakassi to Cameroon.
Ndoma-Egba was of the view that the Federal Government should have tarried awhile in complying with the verdict of the ICJ.
Secondly, he contended that while Bakassi went the way of Cameroon according to the ICJ judgment, the 76 oils went another way (Akwa Ibom). He said that while the Supreme Court had ruled on the matter, it must be on record that Bakassi was ceded by the Federal Government in spite of Cross River State and in spite of the Senate, which he was a member of. He further claimed that the Federal Government failed to protect Cross River’s state interest in the situation.
The third flank of his contribution was calling on the Federal Government to pay compensation to the people of Cross River State after ceding the land that belongs to the state to another country. He asked for the Senate to provide protection for Cross River State on the issue.
Fourthly, he asked for a review of the treaty making procedure, insisting that the Green Tree Agreement as it concerns Bakassi did not receive the authorisation of the Senate before the Federal Government went ahead to stamp it.
Based on the video capturing Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba’s intervention during his address to the 7th Senate on the controversial ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon and the 76 oil wells that originally belonged to Cross River State to Akwa Ibom State, it is clear that the former Senate Leader stood firmly to defend the interest of his constituency on the matter and his current support to the effort by Governor Otu is in continuation of his position at the initial stage of the controversy.
