The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State chapter, has called on elected representatives of the state in the National Assembly to prioritise and protect the collective economic interests of the state, particularly in the ongoing discussions over its oil wells.
IPAC made the call in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, on Thursday, following renewed public discussions surrounding the status of Cross River’s oil wells, resource ownership, representation and the state’s economic interests.
The council said as the umbrella body of registered political parties in Cross River, it considered the issue of the state’s oil wells a matter of significant economic importance that required responsible representation and a coordinated response from its elected officials.
It urged all Senators and Members of the House of Representatives representing Cross River to defend, protect and advance the collective interests of the people of the state above personal, partisan or sectional considerations.
IPAC called on the lawmakers to demonstrate unity of purpose and speak with one voice on matters affecting the state’s economic future, stressing that Cross River citizens expected visible commitment, accountability and proactive engagement from their representatives.
The council’s position comes against the backdrop of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s (RMAFC) decision to discard its previous draft verification report on disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells following claims, counterclaims and complaints from affected states. The commission has since inaugurated a reconstituted Inter-Agency Technical Committee to undertake fresh verification of wells drilled from 2017 to date.
According to IPAC, every action, statement, negotiation or legislative engagement concerning Cross River’s oil interests must be guided by justice, equity, constitutional responsibility and the overall welfare of the people.
The council also appealed to the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other public officials to exercise caution in public remarks relating to sensitive matters connected to Cross River’s territorial, economic and oil-related interests.
It said statements from highly placed public officials carried considerable weight and should promote mutual respect, national unity and confidence among affected communities.
While acknowledging the contributions of national leaders and the cordial relationship between neighbouring states, IPAC maintained that Cross River’s tradition of hospitality, peaceful coexistence and accommodation should not be interpreted as a basis for compromising what it described as the legitimate rights, resources and aspirations of the state and its people.
The council said the state’s representatives had a responsibility to ensure that Cross River’s interests were adequately presented and defended within the constitutional and institutional processes governing resource ownership and revenue allocation.
IPAC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, democratic engagement and peaceful advocacy, saying its objective was to support policies and decisions capable of strengthening the development, prosperity and future of Cross River State.
The council urged all stakeholders to approach the matter through lawful and peaceful channels as the federal verification process proceeds.
By Kingsley Agim
