The Oil Well Dispute: Enamhe Reaffirms Claims Over 119 Wells, Citing Coordinate Veracity

The Oil Well Dispute: Papa Enamhe Reaffirms Claims Over 119 Wells, Citing Coordinate Veracity

​Calabar, Cross River State — 

 Papa Dorn cklaimz Enamhe founder of the Convener "Think Cross River" has formally reaffirmed the state’s claim to 119 oil wells. Grounding his argument in technical data and geographical precision, Enamhe asserted that "coordinates do not lie," signaling a strategic shift in the ongoing discourse regarding the state's natural resources.

​A Data-Driven Mandate for Fairness

​Speaking at a recent public engagement, Papa Enamhe clarified that this renewed claim is not a challenge to the authority of the Supreme Court, but rather a pursuit of justice based on contemporary findings. He noted that while historical disputes centered on 76 oil wells, subsequent discoveries and updated mapping have identified a total of 119 wells that fall within the state's boundaries.

​"We are not in a contest with the Supreme Court," Enamhe stated. "We are simply presenting the fact that 119 discovered oil wells belong to us. Geographical coordinates are absolute; they provide an empirical basis for ownership that must be recognized."

​Support for Executive Advocacy

​Enamhe commended the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, for his steadfast commitment to recovering the state's assets. He lauded the Governor’s resolve to ensure that the state does not relinquish its rightful resources, noting that such leadership is vital for the economic future of Cross River.

​Furthermore, he acknowledged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for their consistent role in maintaining public awareness on this critical issue. The event also served to honor a former leader within the NUJ, whom Enamhe described as a "dependable comrade" and a dedicated public servant.

​Technical Framework: Understanding Maritime and Territorial Claims

​To provide clarity on the legitimacy of these claims, it is essential to understand the technical parameters governing territorial boundaries and resource exploration.

​1. Geographical Coordinates and Precise Mapping

​The bedrock of the state’s claim lies in Geographical Coordinates—the numerical system used to pinpoint exact locations on Earth.

Latitude: Horizontal lines measuring distance North or South of the Equator.

Longitude: Vertical lines measuring distance East or West of the Prime Meridian.

2. Maritime Boundaries and International Law

​The limits of a state’s control over coastal waters are defined by Maritime Boundaries, governed largely by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

• ​Territorial Sea: Extends up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.
• ​Contiguous Zone: Extends up to 24 nautical miles.
• ​Continental Shelf: The submerged prolongation of a landmass where states hold exclusive rights to explore seabed resources, including oil and gas.

​3. The Role of Hydrographic Surveying

​Determining the location of these 119 wells requires a Hydrographic Survey—the scientific process of mapping seafloor features and water depth (bathymetry). These surveys are critical for:

• ​Establishing shoreline positions and underwater obstacles.
• ​Offshore oil and gas exploration.
• ​The creation of accurate nautical charts for safe navigation.

​4. Technical Accuracy and Calibration

​To ensure the integrity of the data presented to federal authorities, all measuring instruments undergo Calibration. This process involves comparing a device against a known standard and adjusting it for maximum precision, ensuring that the "coordinates" cited in the dispute are beyond reproach.

​5. Estuarine Considerations

​The dispute also involves Estuaries—the sensitive coastal areas where freshwater rivers meet the saline water of the sea. These brackish water zones are often central to determining the "baseline" from which maritime boundaries are measured.

In conclusion cross River state is only asking for the federal government in its wisdom to direct RAMFAC to release the payment of the 119 oil wells to cross River state