By CrossRiverWatch admin
The tagging of Cross River State as a non oil producing state has been described as annoying and political in order to bar certain benefits meant to accrue to the state, says State Assembly man, Hon. Ekpo Ekpo.
The Bakassi born politician made this known in an interview with CrossRiverWatch shortly after attending a meeting with the Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on Petroleum and Local Content, Imoh Anthony which also had oil firm operators in attendance.
According to Hon. Ekpo who represents Bakassi in the State House of Assembly, “It is annoying for anyone to say Cross River State is not an oil producing state. How is that possible when there are major oil companies operating within the state? Addax is here. It is mere politics just to deny the state of some benefits. The companies share part of the blame. They prefer to be sited here and have their base in Port Harcourt which is over 10 hours drive from here to their operational locations instead of may be five or less from Cross River State”.
Ekpo who is also the immediate past Chairman of Bakassi Local Government, adds that “We must ensure that Cross River State and Cross Riverians get what is deserved in terms of royalties and others, the local content law must be implemented.”
Ekpo who says the oil firms have not lived up to expectations in terms of royalties and local content also said the meeting was an opportunity to interface as it is imperative that the present administration goes deep to ensure accrual of what belongs to the state.
He also appreciated Governor Ayade for appointing Imoh Anthony whom he says has moved in with much energy and action.
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