Nigeria, March 3 -- The Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has launched a defence of his administration over the 76 oil wells dispute, dismissing critics as "empty barrels" who make "noise".

Speaking on Sunday during the monthly Church service at Government House, Uyo, Mr Eno said he was not a receptionist for the public to expect him to pick their calls and accused a former senator of dramatising a sensitive state matter.

"There are many ways to reach the governor," he said. "Stop saying the governor does not pick up the phone. Am I your receptionist? That is even an insult to say the governor does not answer calls. Who are you? Who is even talking?"

Although Mr Eno did not mention any name, the instances cited in his remarks pointed...