The Nigerian Senate formed an ad hoc committee to investigate claims of Cameroon annexing Nigeria’s maritime territory. This follows a motion by Senator Aniekan Bassey, emphasizing illegal occupation and loss of oil revenue. Urgent action is required as the annexation threatens Nigeria’s sovereignty, with cooperation expected between government officials to address the issue.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate established an ad hoc committee led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim to investigate claims of Cameroon’s illegal annexation of Nigeria’s maritime territory and mangrove island villages. This follows a motion presented by Senator Aniekan Bassey, which received the support of six additional senators during a plenary session. The area in question, home to the Effiat clan in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, includes vital fishing settlements and is significant for its oil and gas reserves.
Senator Bassey contended that the territory was not included in the areas officially ceded to Cameroon per the 1913 Anglo-German treaties or the October 2002 International Court of Justice ruling. He emphasized that this encroachment constituted an illegal occupation, costing Nigeria over 2,560 oil wells and substantial revenue from oil and gas. Furthermore, he stated that the annexation has imposed Cameroonian laws upon Nigerians living in 16 ancestral villages, calling it a “national embarrassment” and a potential threat to national sovereignty.
During the discussions, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin stressed the urgency of the matter, indicating that action must be taken at once. Senator Seriake Dickson echoed this sentiment, describing the situation faced by the communities as dire and referring to them as “stateless,” given the absence of jurisdictional clarity between the two nations.
The Senate agreed to collaborate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue diplomatic avenues to rectify the alleged annexation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has instructed the committee to deliver its findings within a two-week timeframe. The committee will comprise additional members, including Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Seriake Dickson, Shehu Kaka, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Agom Jarigbe, Ekong Sampson, and the motion’s sponsor, Senator Aniekan Bassey.
The formation of an ad hoc committee by the Nigerian Senate to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of its maritime territory is a significant step toward addressing a serious claim of territorial infringement. The matter raises essential concerns regarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and the legal implications of such annexations. The collaborative efforts involving key government officials indicate an urgency to resolve this dispute diplomatically while safeguarding national interests.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
