The Akwa Ibom State Government has responded to renewed public discourse surrounding the ownership of the 76 oil wells, which were earlier in contention, asserting that the matter was conclusively resolved over a decade ago by the Supreme Court.
Addressing the issue on ARISE TV, Sunday morning, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah urged the public to disregard any circulating claims or rumours, emphasising that the July 2012 ruling of the Supreme Court remains final and binding.
“This is a settled matter. The Supreme Court ruled on this matter in July 2012 and placed a permanent seal on the conversation. That is the highest court of the land. Once the Supreme Court gives a ruling, it is final. This is not a matter we should even talk about. This is a matter that Akwa Ibom State did not even take to court. I mean it is sealed”, he argued.
The Commissioner also took the opportunity to spotlight the tangible progress being recorded under State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno’s administration, noting that the ARISE Agenda continues to deliver visible results across various sectors of the state.
He highlighted achievements in education, agriculture, rural development, youth empowerment, security, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and road infrastructure, noting that the ARISE Agenda is not just a policy, but a real experience for Akwa Ibom people, as its impacts are being felt across the nooks and crannies of the State.
Related: A’Ibom Ownership of 76 Oil Wells Is Sacrosanct – Gov Eno
Speaking further, Umanah addressed the recent visit by Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio and two other Senators – Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East) and Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), from the State to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the visit as a strategic move to strengthen ties with the Federal Government for the accelerated development of the state.
He mentioned that discussions during the visit focused on securing federal support for critical infrastructure projects in Akwa Ibom, including the Ibom Deep Seaport and other priority initiatives.
