- …calls on Govs Otu, Eno to seek dialogue for the interest of Abasi People
By Destiny Isong
UYO (CONVERSEER) – The leadership of the Abasi People Foundation (APF), a non-religious and non-partisan organisation, has called on the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing oil wells dispute through brotherly dialogue.
With the overarching objective of uniting and emancipating the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo, and Ekoi communities for equitable and sustainable development, the APF advocates for a peaceful approach and cooperation between the two states regarding the contentious oilfield issue.
This statement was contained in a release issued by Victor Udo, PhD, FNSE, CEO and Chairman of Abasi People Foundation, on behalf of the Abasi Nation, comprising the aforementioned communities, asserting that their people have been in the region since time immemorial and will continue to reside there beyond the oil extraction era.
The release urged the Governors of Cross River and Akwa Ibom to prioritise unity, brotherhood, and the interests of the Abasi People, and engage in meaningful dialogue, emphasising that the benefits of peace and cooperation far outweigh the consequences of protracted litigation and discord, thereby promoting harmonious coexistence.
He said, “Instead of heading to court, the Governors of Cross River and Akwa Ibom should come together and dialogue. As brothers and members of the same party, they can find a way forward. I see them as intelligent, patriotic, and progressive leaders who can work together for the benefit of their people. They should sit down and discuss how to utilise the oil revenue to develop that region”.
“Both governments are proposing Deep Seaports in the same general area – projects that require significant investment.”
“Why not bring together stakeholders from local, state, federal agencies, and international partners, to discuss how to develop a world-class port authority and infrastructure in the Gulf of Guinea?”
“The world has seen the beauty and benefits of such Seaports collaboration between New York and New Jersey in the USA.”
“Even here in Nigeria, Ogun and Lagos States are collaborating for their people. If such shared infrastructure can be developed in Yoruba land, why not in Abasian land?”
“Do we need to fight while the Igbos build a dredged Seaport?”
“Abasi People, let us join hands and encourage our Governors Eno and Otu to work together and leverage this oil wells issue for emancipation and sustainable development of the Efiks, Ibibios, Annangs, Oros, Ekois, Ekids and Obolos in the Gulf of Guinea.”
“There’s no need for conflict when collaboration can yield greater benefits for the people” – Dr Victor Udo appealed.
The Abasi People Foundation stresses that redirecting funds allocated for legal proceedings towards initiatives that stimulate economic growth, such as establishing industries and generating employment opportunities, would be a more productive approach to addressing the region’s developmental needs and improving the welfare of its people.
Building on this, the Foundation makes a fervent and sincere appeal to the two Governors to sit together, join forces, and collaborate in developing a comprehensive and workable Master Plan for the people, warning that if they engage in conflict, others will take advantage of the situation, citing that a brothers’ approach is the most effective and prudent way to resolve the dispute.
The Abasi People Foundation envisions a future where over 10 million Abasi people in Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo and Ekoi can thrive socially, culturally, and economically, achieving true emancipation and prosperity, and becoming a beacon of progress as the 4th largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
