An ARISE Information analyst, Sam Amadi, has known as for a scientific and administrative strategy to resolving the renewed dispute over oil wells between Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State.
Talking on Tuesday, Amadi stated the controversy highlights “a basic battle between judicial finality and scientific progress,” urging the federal authorities to behave on recent technical findings that might redefine possession and derivation rights.
He defined that whereas the Supreme Court docket of Nigeria ruling—linked to the Worldwide Court docket of Justice resolution and the Inexperienced Tree Treaty—influenced the allocation of oil wells after the ceding of Bakassi, it didn’t definitively settle maritime boundaries or account for future discoveries.
“The Supreme Court docket didn’t decide the precise maritime coordinates or boundaries between the states,” he stated, noting that the judgment doesn’t preclude new scientific proof.
Amadi careworn that up to date geospatial knowledge and newly recognized oil wells ought to be independently assessed, including that verified findings might justify reattributing some property to Cross River in the event that they fall inside its territory.
He additionally emphasised that Nigeria’s derivation precept can evolve with new discoveries, relatively than remaining tied strictly to historic assumptions.
On delays in submitting the technical committee’s report back to the presidency, Amadi urged fast motion, stating that the chief has the authority to implement findings with out contradicting present courtroom rulings.
“The Supreme Court docket didn’t situation a perpetual injunction in opposition to future discoveries,” he stated, including that administrative choices could be guided by credible scientific knowledge.
Whereas acknowledging Akwa Ibom’s reliance on the finality of the judgment, he described that place as “comprehensible however restricted,” arguing that the ruling shouldn’t be stretched past its authentic scope.
He additional warned that extended disputes might result in income losses and heighten insecurity within the Gulf of Guinea, together with dangers of piracy and unlawful oil actions.
Amadi known as on the federal authorities to launch the technical report, have interaction stakeholders, and pursue a political decision, whereas encouraging each states to undertake dialogue and negotiate a good final result.
He concluded that resolving the dispute would require a steadiness of authorized respect, scientific validation, and political will, guided by nationwide curiosity.
By Boluwatife Enome
Times Nigeria