Akwa Ibom state has no dispute with Cross River State over the ownership of 76 oil wells, Governor Umo Eno has said.

Speaking on Saturday during the monthly prayer meeting at the Government House Chapel, Eno stated that the Supreme Court had twice ruled in favor of Akwa Ibom, declaring Cross River a non-littoral State.

The governor, who was responding to rumours that the state was in another contention over the oil wells, urged citizens not to engage in a matter that has been legally settled.

Eno also emphasised the importance of respecting past and present leaders for their contributions to the State?s development.

In a veiled reference to the N700billion corruption case against the immediate past governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel, he condemned external influences attempting to discredit Akwa Ibom leaders without factual evidence.

?It is difficult to understand how individuals who are not from Akwa Ibom seek to run down our leaders on baseless allegations.

?As governor, I can confidently say that I have seen no evidence supporting such false accusations against our past leaders,? he said.

The governor also urged contractors and business owners to take advantage of the newly launched state procurement portal, which provides transparent access to government contracts.

He announced that over 400 jobs are currently available through the portal and encouraged qualified individuals to register.

He said, ?We have several projects, including the construction of the Aviation Village, Commissioners? Quarters, Legislators? Quarters, and Judges? Quarters. We will not award multiple projects to one person. These contracts will be given to qualified Akwa Ibom people who are duly registered on the portal.?

He reiterated his commitment to fairness in contract awards, stressing that opportunities should be based on merit rather than personal connections.

?We must build a state where people can bid for and secure government jobs without knowing anyone in power,? Eno stated. (The Nation)