Over 25,000 Bakassi indigenes, under the aegis Bakassi Peoples’ Assembly, on Sunday, in Lagos, hailed the decision of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, to negotiate and dialogue with his counterpart from Cross River State over the disputed 76 oil wells.

The group made this known in a statement signed by its national president, Honourable Bassey Ita Edet, the national vice-president, Honourable Effiong Edet Effiong and the secretary- general, Ndabu Eyo Nakanda, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune.

The displaced people of Bakassi pleaded with the government to devote benefits accrued from the dialogue to improving the lives and welfare of the people.

The group opined that such settlement would further strengthen the historical bond between the two states and put smiles on the faces of the affected Bakassi people.

The statement reads: “We the leaders of Bakassi, under the aegis of Bakassi Peoples’ Assembly, will like to commend the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, for his offer of an olive branch to the Cross River State governor over the disputed 76 oil wells which the Supreme Court ruled in Akwa- Ibom’s favour.

“It is gratifying to note that Governor Akpabio is not averse to holding a dialogue with his Cross River State counterpart towards exploring an amicable resolution to the problem that has put a strain on the relationship between both states.

“We are convinced that this fresh window of opportunity should be embraced, not only in the interest of peace but also towards strengthening the historical bond between both states. However, in the event that such dialogue becomes a reality, we the people of Bakassi believe it will be serving the cause of justice if we are part of this dialogue session.

“Given that we have, since 10 years, borne the heavies and brunt of the ICJ verdict, which ceded the Bakassi Penninsula to Cameroon, we also think it is imperative that whatever material benefit such dialogue brings to Cross River, the welfare of the Bakassi people should necessarily be considered a priority. That should primarily entail the resettling of the displaced Bakassi people at the accepted location of Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island.

“In the entire face-off that has ensued before and after the ceding of the oil wells, we note with sadness that no attention was paid to the people’s welfare. It became as if oil was all that matters. But thousands have lost their livelihoods and their dignity and of course their lives. So, this offer to dialogue from our sister state is an opportunity to abolish the simmering cold war and lay a fresh foundation for peace to thrive.”

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A hand of fellowship
written by Temple Aniedi Ekaudoh, August 20, 2012

The government of crossrivers state should take advantage of the negotiation offer given by the Akwaibom state government &see how they can address issue as brothers that they are,knowning that the winner does not take it all.

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