The Akwa Ibom State Government has firmly dismissed recent public debates surrounding the ownership of the 76 oil wells previously in dispute, declaring the issue legally settled by the Supreme Court in July 2012
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, made it clear that any resurgence of the controversy is unnecessary and misleading, noting that the apex court’s judgment remains final and binding.
“This is a settled matter. The Supreme Court, in July 2012, ruled on this issue and placed a permanent seal on it,” Umanah stated. “That is the highest court in the land. Once the Supreme Court gives a ruling, it is final. This is not a matter that should continue to dominate public discourse.”
He further clarified that Akwa Ibom State was not even the initiator of the legal battle but emerged with legal certainty from the ruling. He urged the public, media, and stakeholders to disregard any claims suggesting the case is still open for discussion.
Beyond addressing the oil wells saga, the Commissioner used the opportunity to underscore the achievements of Governor Umo Eno’s administration under the ARISE Agenda. According to him, the Agenda is delivering measurable progress across education, agriculture, rural development, youth empowerment, SMEs, security, and infrastructure.
“The ARISE Agenda is not just a document—it’s a lived reality. Our people are seeing the changes in their daily lives. Roads are being constructed, schools are being renovated, and rural communities are being empowered,” Umanah said.
He also commented on the recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and two other senators from the state. The visit, he said, was strategic and focused on fostering deeper collaboration with the Federal Government.
According to him, top on the agenda during the meeting were discussions around securing federal backing for key projects like the Ibom Deep Seaport and other critical infrastructure initiatives vital to Akwa Ibom’s long-term economic development.
Umanah described the visit as a sign of maturity and unity among Akwa Ibom leaders, stressing that political cooperation at both state and federal levels is essential for the accelerated transformation of the state.
