Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has announced plans to restore the state to its oil-producing status by drilling oil wells in the next few weeks. The state lost its oil-producing status in 2013 following a Supreme Court judgment that ceded its oil wells to neighboring Akwa Ibom State. Otu made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) members, where he received applause for his honesty.
The meeting was attended by prominent APC members, including former Governor Clement Ebri, ex-Deputy Governor Prof. Ivara Esu, and former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN. Otu expressed gratitude for the support from party members.
He highlighted efforts to recover state assets, such as Tinapa, Oban Plantation, and Akamkpa Rubber Plantation, which were sold at low prices. The state is also bidding for the purchase of Odukpani Power Plant and seeking joint ownership of the UNIDO Power Plant in Obudu. Otu assured that the government is working to create economic opportunities for all Cross Riverians, especially youths and school leavers.
