Ukorebi Esien | February 18, 2026
CALABAR — A prominent businessman in Cross River State, High Chief Dr. Henry Onwe, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for what he described as decisive steps toward restoring the state's oil wells.
Onwe, who is Chairman of the Cross River State Businessmen's Forum, made the remarks in a press statement issued in Calabar on Thursday. He said the President's decision to set up an inter-agency committee to review the oil wells issue has brought renewed hope to the people of the state.
According to him, many Cross Riverians have long felt deprived of their economic rights, and the recent actions by the Federal Government show a commitment to fairness and justice.
"The effort the President is taking has endeared him to millions of Cross Riverians and has given them hope that he is committed to their welfare," Onwe stated.
He explained that the oil wells dispute dates back to a July 10, 2012 ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He said the court struck out Cross River State's appeal and referred the matter to relevant federal agencies, including the National Boundary Commission, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, for proper determination.
Onwe noted that the Supreme Court did not hand over the oil wells to any other state but asked the appropriate authorities to determine their status.
He said the inter-agency committee recently inaugurated by the President carried out detailed maritime and geological assessments. According to him, the committee discovered 188 additional wellheads and 41 shared reservoirs extending from the Cross River continental shelf towards its boundary with Cameroon.
He added that the National Boundary Commission has independently reaffirmed Cross River's coastal status and its access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Cross River Estuary.
Onwe expressed optimism that with the submission of the committee's final report to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the matter would soon be resolved in favour of justice.
"The restoration of our oil wells will be a demonstration of equity and fairness. It will also improve derivation revenue and support development in our state," he said.
The businessman also praised Governor Otu for what he described as steady leadership and commitment to development. He said the governor has continued to pursue peace, infrastructure development and economic growth since assuming office.
Onwe called on political stakeholders across party lines to support the governor's efforts, adding that the oil wells intervention shows strong collaboration between the state and federal governments.
He appealed to President Tinubu to give final approval that will ensure Cross River receives what he described as its rightful economic endowment.
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