Eno, Akpanudoedehe Clash Over Disputed 76 Oil Wells Between Akwa Ibom And Cross River

A fresh political dispute has emerged in Akwa Ibom State after Governor Umo Eno dismissed public warnings from former senator John Akpanudoedehe over the long-running disagreement on 76 oil wells linked to Cross River State.

Speaking at a public event in Uyo, Eno criticised what he described as political showmanship around a matter he said requires caution and strategy. He questioned Akpanudoedehe’s approach and said governance should not be driven by pressure from social media exchanges.

“Who are you that I should pick your phone? Am I your receptionist? Must everything be politics? At this time, we need prayers and work,” Eno said.

The governor’s comments followed a Facebook video by Akpanudoedehe, in which the former lawmaker warned that any loss of the 76 oil wells would be unacceptable to the people of Akwa Ibom. He said the stakes were too high and urged the administration to guard the state’s position during ongoing verification.

“If you allow these 76 oil wells to be taken away from us, you will not be forgiven. I have the interest of Akwa Ibom people at heart,” Akpanudoedehe said in the video.

Akpanudoedehe, who represented Akwa Ibom North-East in the Senate from 1999 to 2003, said the issue should be treated with urgency because of its direct effect on revenue and state finances. He referred to previous boundary and derivation disputes and said earlier administrations took a firm position to protect Akwa Ibom’s claims.

Responding, Eno said the matter should not be turned into a partisan contest. He argued that public attacks could weaken the state’s negotiating posture and distract from behind-the-scenes engagement needed on a sensitive inter-state issue.

The governor also accused his critic of seeking attention through public controversy instead of offering direct and constructive input.

The renewed exchange has reopened debate over one of the most consequential resource disputes in the South-South region. Observers note that control of the contested wells goes beyond symbolism, as the outcome can affect allocations tied to oil production and derivation receipts.

Political watchers in the state say the public disagreement may raise tensions if key actors continue to trade accusations. They also warn that mixed messaging could complicate public confidence at a time when the dispute is still under review by an inter-ministerial process.

For now, both men say they are acting in Akwa Ibom’s interest, but their sharply different methods have produced a high-profile confrontation over how best to defend the state’s claim.