A Deputy Director in the Cross River Border Communities Development Commission, Mr Emin Ekpa,  has stressed the need to develop the agriculture sector to sustain the state’s economy.

The director spoke in Calabar on Thursday , against the backdrop of Tuesday’s Supreme Court judgment ceding the disputed 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom.

Ekpa noted that the state was blessed with abundant natural and human resources that could sustain it without oil wells.

“To me, there is nothing too bad about the judgment because I know that Cross River is endowed with both natural and human resources.

“The best thing is for the state to turn its attention to agriculture and make it viable.”

He said that the stone deposit in Akamkpa local government area was capable of sustaining the state and called for measures to ensure proper management of the resources.

“I am sure the state realises a lot of money from there.

“So, if the state government can set up a committee to properly manage the resources in Akamkpa, we will even be richer than those states with oil wells.”

Ekpa also urged the government to mobilise men and materials for mechanised farming and not to lament over the loss of the oil wells.

The deputy director, however, advised the governments of Cross River and Akwa Ibom to return to the negotiation table to find an amicable settlement.

“As brothers and sisters, I think the two states should return to the round table and renegotiate a way that Akwa Ibom could assist Cross River from the oil revenue.”