Prince Otu Community Development Initiative (POCDI) Rallies Behind Cross River’s Federal Petition on Oil Wells Reclaim
The Prince Otu Community Development Initiative (POCDI) has expressed strong support for the renewed efforts by the Cross River State Government to seek justice over the long-standing designation of the state as a non-littoral and non-oil-producing entity.
In a press statement signed by its President, Comrade Kanu Joseph Uno, FCE, POCDI described the designation as erroneous and unjust, noting that it led to the loss of seventy-six (76) oil wells to Akwa Ibom State.
The group recalled that Cross River State has endured years of hardship resulting from this development, especially after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that ceded parts of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. According to POCDI, the state has borne these losses with patience and resilience despite their severe economic and social impact.
POCDI commended the leadership of Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, his wife Bishop Dr. Eyoawan Otu, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Odey, and other key stakeholders, led by the Chief of Staff, Hon. (Dr.) Emmanuel Ironbar, for their commitment to restoring justice to the state.
The group particularly praised the state government’s decision to petition the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant federal institutions, including the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the National Boundary Commission (NBC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation.
According to POCDI, the petition is supported by verified records of two hundred and forty-five (245) oil wells, alongside scientific, geological, and legal evidence establishing Cross River State as both a littoral and oil-producing state.
The organization also highlighted recent confirmations by the National Boundary Commission, which reaffirmed the state’s coastal status and access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Cross River Estuary, as reflected in official maps and publications.
POCDI noted that the state government’s actions have already yielded positive results, citing the findings of the Inter-Agency Technical Committee established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in November 2025. The committee reportedly confirmed the existence of additional oil wells within Cross River’s maritime boundary, beyond the previously recognized seventy-six wells.
The group condemned what it described as attempts by a delegation from Akwa Ibom State to disrupt the public presentation of the committee’s report at the RMAFC auditorium in Abuja on January 29, 2026.
According to POCDI, sister states should promote cooperation, fairness, and mutual respect rather than resorting to actions that could undermine the pursuit of justice.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Cross River State has waited too long for fairness, and our peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for weakness,” the statement read.
The organization urged federal agencies to uphold transparency, professionalism, and objectivity by defending the factual findings of their investigations, in line with presidential directives.
POCDI also commended prominent Cross River leaders and stakeholders, including the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rt. Hon. Barr. John-Gaul Lebo; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; High Chief Hon. Cyril Asuquo; and Surveyor Patrick Edet Bassey, among others, for their consistent support for the cause.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Cross River State Government, both in its development agenda and in securing permanent resolution to the oil wells and littoral status dispute.
“As a pressure group and key stakeholder, POCDI remains united, determined, and resolute in defending the interests of Cross River State,” the statement concluded.
The statement ended with a call for unity and patriotism, affirming loyalty to Cross River State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed: Comr. Kanu Joseph Uno, FCE President, Prince Otu Community Development Initiative (POCDI) February 2026
