Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has urged Cross Riverians to maintain the paces can not to embark on any activity that may lead to a breakdown of law and order following the ceding of its 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom and its delisting as an oil producing state.

In a state wide broadcast to the people, Imoke said he was compelled to address the state on the issue of the oil wells and the purported delisting of the state under the guise of the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon stressing that those far reaching decisions were taking without any reference to consultation between the two states and the relevant federal agencies and at a time when the maritime boundary of the two states was neither in doubt nor in dispute.

According to Imoke, “As uncautionable and provocative as this action may appear to be, we have reacted in a must continue to do same until the matter is resolved”, adding that, “as you may be aware, Mr. President’s attention was drawn to the matter even before the implementation of the purported new indices and he accordingly directed that the decision of the relevant agencies be revisited. In line with Mr. President’s directive, several meetings have been held under the leadership of the Vice President towards resolving the impasse.”

The governor assured the people that justice will be done, and that oil wells restored, and thanked Cross Riverians for their unprecedented solidarity and support through the challenging periods remarking that, “from our youths to our women and our elders, we have all spoken with one voice, condemning the action and seeking justice. You have once again demonstrated your love for state ad this administration and we are quite appreciative.”

He said as provoking as the decision may be he appealed to Cross Riverians to maintain the peace and not to embark on any activity that may lead to a breakdown of law and order because the state has absolute confidence in the ongoing efforts of Mr President and the Vice President towards resolving the matter amicably.

Imoke noted that Cross River is a peaceful state, and Cross Riverians very hospitable and accommodating people and for years have enjoyed an excellent relationship with its neighbouring states, which the people are committed to maintaining, emphasizing that they must continue to exhibit the warmth and hospitality that they are known for and for no reason must they disrupt the peace which has contributed greatly in making the state the estination of choice for business or leisure in Nigeria.

The Governor reiterated than all programmes and projects remain on course, inspite of the setback and for the state to achieve its desired set goats, the people must ensure that they maintain the peace while thanking Mr. President, the Vice President and all well meaning Nigerians, who have stood by the state in one way or the other in these trying times.

Chairman of the occasion and member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal contituency at the House of Representatives, Chief Andrew Uchendu (right) having a handshake with the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby during the 10h Anniversary lecture in honour of late Evans Oi, founder of the Port Harcourt-based Independent Monitor Newspaper, at the Minstry of Justice Auditoum, Port Harcourt. Phone: Donatus Ken.