IPAC urges C’River lawmakers to protect state’s oil interests

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Cross River State chapter, has urged the state’s representatives in the National Assembly to protect the state’s interests in ongoing discussions over its oil wells.

IPAC, in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Effiom Edet Okon on Thursday said issues concerning the ownership and status of the state’s oil wells were of significant economic importance to Cross River.

The council called on the senators and members of the House of Representatives from the state to work together on matters relating to Cross River’s economic interests.

It said decisions, legislative engagements and public statements on the oil wells should be guided by constitutional provisions, equity and the interests of Cross River residents.

IPAC also urged the National Assembly members to demonstrate what it described as “unity of purpose” in addressing issues affecting the state’s economic future.

The council further appealed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and other public officials to exercise caution in their public comments on matters relating to Cross River’s territorial and economic interests.

It said statements by senior public officials could influence public perception and relations between neighbouring states and communities.

IPAC noted that Cross River had maintained cordial relations with people from other parts of the country, but said such relations should not come at the expense of the state’s legitimate economic interests.

The council said it remained committed to dialogue and peaceful advocacy in addressing issues affecting the state.

The statement comes amid renewed attention to Cross River’s longstanding dispute over oil wells, following the decision by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to reopen the verification of disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells.

IPAC urges C’River lawmakers to protect state’s oil interests