The Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, Uko Udom SAN, has vehemently denied media reports that the 76 oil wells legally owned by the state, following two Supreme Court rulings, would be ceded back to Cross River State. Udom emphasized that such claims are unfounded and highlighted that the state has not ceded any territory or rights to Cross River, despite mentions of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission considering the re-listing of Cross River as an oil-producing state based on a report from the Federal Government’s Inter-Agency Committee.

During a recent media interaction at the Government House, Udom acknowledged the committee's report which aimed to scientifically establish the locations of oil and gas assets within Nigeria's territorial boundaries. However, he articulated that the information being circulated is not only misleading but also risks distorting the constitutional realities that define the ownership of these resources. His comments reflect a commitment to setting the record straight to prevent further misconceptions about the historical and legal context of the oil wells.

This development has significant implications for resource management and territorial claims within Nigeria, especially given the complex dynamics between states that share oil resources. The assertion by Udom reinforces Akwa Ibom's stance on its legal entitlement to the wells and illustrates the ongoing debates surrounding oil wealth in Nigeria, which often lead to disagreements and political tension between neighboring states. The clarification from the Attorney General aims to maintain the integrity of Akwa Ibom's claims and address any misunderstandings regarding the status of its oil assets.