Date Published: 07/05/09

Dear Editor,

Letter to my brothers & sisters in Cross River

I wish to appeal to my brothers and sisters of Cross River State origin that we, the majority of Akwa Ibom people, at home and Diasporas are not in support that they   were denied their oil-producing status due to the ceding of 76 oil wells to us.

It is our prayers that your sustenance would improve because we are sister-States.  A survey would show you that majority of Akwa Ibom people would not go challenging you at the court where you had gone in your quest to get back the oil wells. We wish that political solution be found to put this matter to rest.

We remember vividly how Obasanjo tried to reverse what   got enshrined   in our Constitution during   Babangida   regime and which was further ratified during the present democratic setting, regarding the on-shore/off-shore dichotomy abrogation.   Though it was on Akwa Ibom soil that Babangida eventually heard the cry of the littoral States, nevertheless it was for the   benefit of all. Had the appeal failed to catch the fancy of IBB who made sure it was listed in our Constitution as it were, may be by now, the debate for the dichotomy abrogation would still be on and   who knows,   the north   claiming majority in   the National Assembly may   refuse its passage.   In the same token, we (Akwa Ibom and Cross River) would not be   flexing muscles as it is now, over oil wells. 

Please under no circumstance should you be encouraged to start trouble with Akwa Ibom indigenes living in your State   because majority   sympathize with you and would not support depriving you the oil wells, knowing full well that they also enjoy social amenities provided by you. Let us continue to live as brothers and sisters that we are. 

I feel convinced that the matter will be sorted out.  This is a prophecy. We thank God for his mercies.

Mr. Edet Asuquo

176 Ikpa Road

UYO, Akwa Ibom State