Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed the state's ownership rights to certain oil wells, emphasizing that no propaganda can alter the legal decisions made by the Supreme Court. The contention arises from a dispute with Cross River State, which challenges Akwa Ibom's claim to the wells based on historical grievances linked to the 2008 loss of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. According to the Supreme Court, Akwa Ibom was awarded control over 76 oil wells in a 2012 ruling, but Cross River argues that recent geological findings suggest that 67 of those wells now fall within its territory.

Eno's statements were made during a press briefing upon his arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport, where he also expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu's administration, highlighting its adherence to the rule of law. The Akwa Ibom Governor conveyed a strong message of confidence that the established rights would be upheld against ongoing disputes, asserting that legal rulings from the highest court should be respected and followed.

The ongoing ownership dispute not only touches on issues of gubernatorial authority and state revenues but also highlights the implications of historical territorial changes due to international legal matters. This situation between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states may intensify as both sides present their cases, and the political ramifications could affect governance and resource distribution in the region.