The Nigerian Senate is taking steps to reclaim 2,560 oil wells and gas resources allegedly taken by Cameroon. Senator Aniekan Bassey raised concerns about the economic impact and illegal annexation of territories. A committee has been formed to investigate and report back in six weeks, as Senate leadership engages with the Presidency on the issue.
The Nigerian Senate has commenced efforts to reclaim approximately 2,560 oil wells and unidentified gas resources claimed to have been unlawfully appropriated by Cameroon. These resources are situated in the mangrove islands, encompassing 16 communities in the Effiat area within the Mbo local government of Akwa Ibom State, along the Gulf of Guinea’s coastline.
Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North East, brought this issue to light during a Senate plenary session. He highlighted the significant economic repercussions that have arisen from the encroachment of these territories by Cameroon, describing the situation as an embarrassing national issue.
In his motion, Senator Bassey expressed that the communities in question are under unauthorized administrative control by Cameroon. He clarified that these territories are not included in the October 2002 International Court of Justice judgment, which led to the Nigerian government yielding the Bakassi Peninsula.
Bassey emphasized the islands’ economic importance, noting their vital fishing routes and the potential oil and gas revenues that rightfully belong to Nigeria but are currently lost due to illegal annexation by Cameroon. He voiced concerns about the presence of Cameroonian soldiers in these Nigerian villages, leading to unrest among the residents.
Bassey mentioned past discussions between former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Cameroonian President Paul Biya regarding territorial claims. This conversation underlined the unresolved technical aspects of defining borders involving the mangrove islands and waters that belong to Nigeria.
Furthermore, he condemned Cameroon’s expanding tactics for claiming these territories as violations of international law and an infringement on Nigeria’s territorial rights. He referred to historical agreements that distinctly place the mangrove islands within Nigeria’s jurisdiction, as established by the 1913 Anglo-German treaties.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed that the Senate leadership would liaise with the Presidency to facilitate the retrieval of the appropriated resources. Additionally, a committee chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has been established to thoroughly investigate the matter and provide a report within six weeks.
In summary, the Nigerian Senate’s commitment to recovering the claimed 2,560 oil wells and gas resources underscores the importance of preserving national integrity and economic interests. Senator Bassey’s motion highlights the illegal appropriation by Cameroon, calling attention to historical treaties and international judgments that affirm Nigeria’s sovereignty over the territories in question, and aims to resolve long-standing territorial disputes through formal inquiry and engagement with the Presidency.
Original Source: thewhistler.ng
