BY TONY NYONG

UYO – Akwa Ibom State people have rejected the Supreme Court judgement, which  directed the transfer of its 86 oil  wells to Rivers State and the payment of eight percent interest from April 2009 till date.

The member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal constituency, Otuekong Ita Enang,  has joined in rejecting  the Supreme Court judgment, saying that the judgment was not acceptable in law.

The lawmaker, who spoke in Uyo,  Akwa Ibom State, capital, yesterday, while interacting with newsmen, said that the judgement was ultra vires, as the signing away of the oil wells in the name of political reason was unconstitutional.

Enang insisted that there was no way anybody can  sign away the wealth of a people just for political reasons, adding that it was tantamount to having arbitrary powers to adjust the boundary of the state.

“I disagree with the judgment of the Supreme Court. The judgment is not acceptable and it can be criticized in law. That is why I am joining my people to reject the judgment. Although I am loyal to my profession as lawyer  but I still do not agree with the judgement” the lawmaker said.

The state, Ita Enang, added, will  study the judgment and get together experts for advice, on the best direction for the rights of the people to be restored.

The lawmaker, who is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, flag-bearer for Uyo senatorial district seat in the coming election, admitted that development in the state will be affected by the apex court decision, as derivation would be based on that.

The state government, has, meanwhile,  disowned the state Information Commissioner on the statement he earlier made, pointing accusing fingers at former Governor, Obong Victor Attah. The statement had said that the court decision was hinged on the agreement signed by the former governor for his selfish interest.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan, who spoke with newsmen, yesterday,  said that the Information Commissioner made  his personal opinion on the matter and that his comments were not government’s official position on the matter.