Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has reiterated that the ownership of 76 oil wells is indisputable, backed by two Supreme Court rulings which have established Akwa Ibom's rights despite challenges from Cross River State. The disputes have their roots in a historical context concerning the Bakassi Peninsula, which Akwa Ibom lost in 2008, leading to an intricate revenue-sharing conflict between the two states. Cross River contends that recent geological assessments indicate that a substantial portion of these wells should rightfully belong to its territory.

In his comments upon arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport, Eno expressed faith in President Bola Tinubu and the legal framework governing the matter, emphasizing that the court decisions categorically affirm Akwa Ibom's ownership. He underscored that the state's geographical borders are defined primarily by its maritime boundary with Cameroon rather than with Cross River, a point he accentuates to resist any claims made by its neighbor. This perspective is critical as it plays into broader discussions of state resources and territorial rights in Nigeria, especially in the face of sophisticated mapping technologies.

Governor Eno's assertive stance on the oil wells’ ownership highlights ongoing resource disputes in Nigeria, showcasing the tension often inherent in state resource management. The implications of this ruling extend beyond the local economies of Akwa Ibom and Cross River, influencing national discussions on federal-state revenue allocation, accountability in resource management, and the future of geopolitical relationships within the Gulf of Guinea.