Wike hails court ruling on Soku oil wells

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has hailed the court judgement that ceded Soku oil wells/fields to the state.

Wike declared that the state government would continue to fight and defend the interest of the state in order to promote the welfare of her people.

The governor, who spoke with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday added that it was a known fact that the Soku oil wells/fields belonged to the Rivers State before they were illegally appropriated by the Federal Government for Bayelsa State.

He said, “The judgment is very proper. I have said it several times; whatever belongs to Rivers State, it is in our interest to fight for it collectively. That is what we are doing.

“Everybody knows that it is wrong that the Federal Government collected our oil wells and ceded the same to Bayelsa State. So, we took the right step by going to court.

“We sued the National Boundary Commission. By interpreting the Supreme Court judgment that for now, since you’re unable to demarcate the boundary, then let the oil wells be in Rivers State, where it used to be, pending when the National Boundary Commission is ready to implement the Supreme Court judgment.

“We are happy for what happened today. We don't believe in fighting; we only believe in following due process.

“Thank God, the Federal High Court has affirmed and they should pay us our money, which they have collected. The revenue derivation should continue to be paid into Rivers State coffers. We are happy,” Wike emphasized.