Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has said that Akwa Ibom and Cross River remain brothers despite the ongoing dispute over 76 offshore oil wells between the two states, stressing that the disagreement should not destroy the long-standing relationship between their people.
The governor made the remarks during a special Sunday worship service at Liberty Gospel Church in Calabar, where he addressed Akwa Ibom indigenes living and working in Cross River State and encouraged them to continue promoting peace and cooperation.
The comments come amid renewed conversations over the ownership of 76 oil wells located in the coastal boundary area between the two states. While Cross River has continued to push for the wells to be returned to it, Akwa Ibom maintains that previous Supreme Court rulings already affirmed its ownership of the oil assets.
Speaking during the church service, Governor Eno emphasised that the historical ties between the two states go far beyond political disagreements.
“The people of the two states will continue to be brothers because of our bond. Our unity, oneness and peace have always been our goal,” the governor said.
Akwa Ibom was created out of Cross River State in 1987, a shared history that Eno said should remain a foundation for continued unity rather than conflict.
He urged Akwa Ibom residents in Cross River to contribute positively to their host state and continue working for peace.
“Akwa Ibom State was created out of Cross River State, but then, we are still brothers,” he said.
“Those of you living here must not stop praying for the peace of Jerusalem as instructed in the Bible. Cross River State is your Jerusalem because you are resident here. Continue to live in peace, love and brotherliness for our overall growth.”
The governor’s comments are widely seen as an attempt to calm tensions surrounding the oil well dispute, which has periodically generated political debate between stakeholders in both states.
Cross River leaders have argued that newer boundary interpretations support their claim to the wells, while Akwa Ibom officials insist that legal decisions of the Supreme Court have already settled the matter in favour of the state.
Despite the disagreement, Eno maintained that the relationship between the two neighbouring states must remain peaceful.
During the service, the governor also praised the founder of the church, Apostle Helen Ukpabio, describing her as a committed servant of God whose ministry has impacted many lives.
He encouraged the cleric to remain focused on her calling despite criticisms that often accompany leadership and public influence.
“As a matter of fact, I have come to learn that if people do not disagree with what you are doing, then you are not doing anything,” he said.
“They are free to disagree because God did not give them the vision but you.”
Governor Eno further commended the cleric for what he described as her consistency and dedication to drawing people closer to God through her ministry.
In her sermon titled “Commanding the Blessing,” taken from Psalms 133:3, Apostle Ukpabio told the congregation that divine blessings manifest through God’s pronouncements of multiplication and dominion.
She also urged believers to maintain personal and environmental cleanliness, describing it as part of positioning themselves to receive God’s blessings in their lives and endeavours.
Ukpabio also described Governor Eno as a compassionate leader and pastor who has shown commitment to people-centred governance in Akwa Ibom State.
