The former Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon John Gaul Lebo, has clarified that the Cross River State delegation to the Federal Government Inter-Agency Technical Committee programme in Abuja did not stage a walkout during the proceedings, contrary to reports.
The meeting, which aimed to resolve disputes over oil and gas wells between Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, was disrupted by the Surveyor-General of Akwa Ibom State, Surv Emem Isang, who claimed that Akwa Ibom does not share a maritime boundary with Cross River State. This assertion sparked an uproar, with the Cross River delegation strongly objecting to the claim.
Senator Eteng, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Hon. Emil Inyang, Hon Ogbonna
The Cross River delegation, led by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, insisted that the proceedings continue, and the Committee agreed to proceed with the presentation.
The appointed surveyor established the land and maritime boundaries between the two states, reaffirming existing demarcations. The Akwa Ibom delegation’s disruption led to the adjournment of the meeting.
Eminent Cross Riverians present included Former Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Senator Eteng, Senator Jarigbe, Hon Emil Inyang, Hon Offiono, former Chief of Staff Hon Ogbonna, Attorney General Hon Ededem Ani, and Consultant to the government on the 76 oil wells, Mr Ogar.
Rt Hon Lebo emphasized that the Cross River delegation remained engaged throughout and did not walk out. The Government of Cross River State remains committed to due process, constructive dialogue, and peaceful resolution of boundary-related matters.
The Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, expressed gratitude to the people of Cross River State for their support and solidarity, saying, “We appreciate the unwavering commitment of our leaders and the people to the development of our state.”
Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor
Senator Florence Ita Giwa intervened, calling for calm and urging the Committee to ensure a fair hearing. Her intervention helped to diffuse tension and allowed the proceedings to continue.
The meeting was eventually adjourned pending the presence of the substantive Chairman of the Commission, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, who is expected to oversee the final presentation of the report to the affected states. The Cross River State government remains committed to peaceful resolution of boundary disputes.
By Charles Edet Esq, PhD, Fcr.
