IPAC urges C’River lawmakers to protect state’s oil interests

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representing Cross River State in the National Assembly, has called upon lawmakers to safeguard the state's oil interests amid ongoing discussions regarding its oil wells. In a statement issued by the council's State Chairman, Effiom Edet Okon, IPAC emphasized that issues surrounding the ownership and status of the state's oil wells hold significant economic importance for Cross River.

The council implored the state's senators and members of the House of Representatives to collaborate on matters pertaining to Cross River's economic well-being. They stressed that decisions, legislative action, and public statements on the oil wells should adhere to constitutional provisions, equity, and the interests of Cross River residents.

IPAC also urged the National Assembly members to exhibit a "unity of purpose" when addressing matters affecting the state's economic future. Additionally, they appealed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and other officials to exercise caution in their public comments concerning Cross River's territorial and economic interests, as such remarks could sway public opinion and relations between neighboring states and communities.

The council recognized that Cross River had maintained amicable relations with people from other parts of the country, but cautioned that such relationships should not come at the expense of the state's legitimate economic pursuits. They reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and peaceful advocacy in addressing issues impacting the state.

The IPAC's statement emerges as renewed focus is being placed on Cross River's long-standing dispute over oil wells, following the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) decision to reopen the verification process of disputed and recently drilled oil and gas wells.