Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, stated that Bakassi, like other local government areas, was created by law and cannot be removed from the list.
He made this remark on Monday during a media briefing at his temporary office, the Dan Archibong Lodge.
Otu emphasized that he has always prioritized Bakassi’s development, dating back to his time in the House of Representatives.
In his words:
“Never in history has a place been taken from its people without a referendum, without consulting them in any way, and with all the assets involved. The National Assembly has yet to assent to what I would call a ‘Green Peace Treaty’ in terms of ratification. However, in terms of Bakassi’s boundaries and status, there is no question.
“While part of it was ceded to Cameroon—a decision I fundamentally disagree with—the remaining area is still recognized as Bakassi Local Government. Some individuals, driven by political motivations, have publicly called for its delisting, but such calls hold no merit. Those advocating for this seem to align with Cameroon’s interests, and we are already engaging with Cameroonian authorities to repatriate them. Nothing can obstruct Bakassi’s development.”
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He criticized the former chairman of Bakassi Local Government, Hon. Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, for manipulating the media for political gain, insisting that no group can hinder progress in the area.
“The local government has remained peaceful, yet certain individuals become disgruntled when they are out of power. The previous chairman, who is now calling for Bakassi’s delisting, led this unwarranted campaign, despite having served in office without raising similar concerns. We regret that a Cameroonian held that role, but we will address this issue soon.”
Regarding the 66 oil wells taken from Cross River State and allocated to Akwa Ibom State, Otu noted that since he took office, revenue from these wells has been directed to an executive account rather than Akwa Ibom’s, pending legal resolution.
“When I assumed office as governor, I committed to recovering all state assets. I engaged with RAMFAC and relevant interministerial bodies to review our oil wells, and that process has been completed. Accurate boundaries were established in collaboration with surveyors from both states.
“I am facing numerous challenges, both external and even from within our state—you wouldn’t believe it—but these obstacles will not deter my efforts to reclaim Cross River State’s assets,” he asserted.
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