The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged territorial encroachment, particularly concerning oil wells. Led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the committee will report its findings in two months. The motion emphasizes the illegality of Cameroon’s actions, which are said to violate international treaties and impact Nigeria’s sovereignty and economy.
In response to allegations of Cameroon’s territorial encroachment, the Nigerian Senate has established an ad hoc committee to conduct an investigation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this decision during a plenary session, having received significant support from senators via voice votes. The committee will be tasked with reporting its findings and recommendations within two months.
The committee will be presided over by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of Ondo South, with members including Senator Seriake Dickson from Bayelsa West and Senator Ipalibo Banigo from Rivers West. Additional members comprise Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), Shehu Kaka (Borno Central), Agom Jarigbe (Cross River Central), and Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South). Aniekan Bassey, who sponsored the motion, also joins the committee.
The motion, titled “Illegal annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands, waters, and its crude oil by the Republic of Cameroon,” asserts that the annexed territories were not encompassed in the land ceded to Cameroon. Senator Bassey highlighted that this incursion has resulted in the loss of over 2,560 oil wells and significant gas revenues. He stated, “It is an affront on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s economic resources.”
Bassey further expressed that Cameroon’s occupation of these regions contradicts multiple legal rulings, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, the 1913 Anglo-German treaties, and certain provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
Senator Ibrahim emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to alert the United Nations regarding this issue, warning that neglecting it could threaten the nation’s sovereignty and result in environmental and economic repercussions. Similarly, Senator Victor Umeh highlighted the importance of enforcing the ICJ ruling regarding the mangrove islands, calling for swift action to reclaim territory linked to more than 2,000 oil wells.
The committee is tasked with engaging various stakeholders, such as the National Boundary Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and security agencies to address this critical situation.
The establishment of an ad hoc committee by the Nigerian Senate addresses serious allegations regarding Cameroon’s encroachment on Nigeria’s territorial rights and resources. With a focus on the illegal annexation of territories and significant economic losses, the committee aims to engage relevant stakeholders and provide recommendations within two months. This situation underscores the need for assertive diplomatic actions to safeguard national territorial integrity and economic interests.
Original Source: www.thecable.ng
