By Patrick Obia
The Development Association of Cross River State (DACRISS) has condemned remarks attributed to the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, concerning Cross River State’s littoral status, population, political identity and relationship with neighboring Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement signed by its Chief of Party, Chief John Offiong, DACRISS said it was concerned about a video circulating on social media in which Akpabio was allegedly heard making what the Association described as controversial statements about Cross River.
The Association said it initially hoped the video had been artificially generated or manipulated, given the sensitivity of the issues raised and Akpabio’s position as President of the Senate.
However, after listening to the full remarks, DACRISS said it was demanding clarity, restraint and accountability from the Senate President.
They described the statement if authentic, as not merely unfortunate but reckless, insensitive and dangerously ill-advised, particularly coming from a man occupying an office whose primary responsibility at this critical moment should be to promote national unity, peaceful coexistence and respect for Nigeria’s diversity.
On the issue of Cross River’s littoral status, DACRISS argued that questions surrounding geographical boundaries and maritime territory should be determined through scientific and legal processes rather than political statements.
The Association referred to the geography of the Cross River estuarine system and the location of the Akpa-Afe area and its islands, arguing that the issue requires serious scientific examination.
DACRISS also cited Federal Government surveys conducted in connection with the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport, as well as navigational charts reportedly presented to the Cross River State Government by the National Hydrographic Agency.
According to the Association, the Cross River State Government has said the charts affirm the state’s coastal status.
The group also linked the issue to the history of the Bakassi Peninsula, saying the loss of Bakassi to Cameroon was a painful development for Cross River and Nigeria.
They also Interrogated a statement attributed to Akpabio that about 40 percent of Cross River’s population are Akwa Ibom people and that many traditional and political leaders in the state are from Akwa Ibom.
DACRISS demanded clarification on the basis of the alleged figure.
The Association, however, acknowledged that people routinely migrate, settle and establish families and businesses outside their ancestral communities but argued that the presence of people from Akwa Ibom in Cross River should not be interpreted as undermining the identity or ownership of the state.
They noted that Cross River has historically welcomed people from different parts of Nigeria, including Akwa Ibom, and maintained that such hospitality should not be interpreted as an indication that the state has relinquished its identity or political authority.
At the same time, DACRISS also addressed the issue of Akwa Ibom indigenes occupying political and traditional positions in Cross River.
The Association maintained that Cross Riverians have the right to determine who participates in the affairs of the state and said accommodating people from other backgrounds should not be interpreted as surrendering the state’s political identity.
They urged Akpabio, whom it described as an elder, former governor and President of the Senate, to use his position as number three citizen in the country to promote unity between Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
The group also referenced Akpabio’s historical ties to Cross River, stating that he lived in Calabar where he was accommodated, educated, interacted with Cross Riverians and benefited from the opportunities available in the state.
DACRISS enjoined him to exercise caution when speaking about sensitive matters involving territory, ethnicity, state identity and relations between neighboring communities.
The Association also rejected what it described as an attempt to portray Senate committee positions held by Cross River senators as political gifts to the state.
The body said Cross River does not seek confrontation with Akwa Ibom, but wants peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cooperation between the two states.
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