The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of Nigerian maritime territory. Senator Aniekan Bassey raised concerns about illegal occupation impacting local communities and financial losses. The committee, led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, aims to address these issues and is expected to report findings within two weeks.
On Tuesday, the Senate established an ad hoc committee led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South) to investigate claims regarding the alleged annexation of Nigeria’s maritime territory by the Republic of Cameroon. This follows a motion spearheaded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom North East), which garnered support from six additional senators during an assembly session.
The contested area includes the Mbo mangrove island, essential for fishing and located near the Rio Del Rey estuary, which is also recognized as part of the international boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon. Reports indicate that this territory, rich in oil and gas resources, is home to the Effiat clan within Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Senator Bassey asserted that this territory was not included in the areas assigned to Cameroon under historical treaties or an International Court of Justice ruling issued in October 2002. He criticized the annexation as illegal and a significant loss for Nigeria, claiming it has permitted Cameroon to occupy over 2,560 oil wells, leading to substantial financial losses
The senator emphasized the implications of this annexation on local communities, stating that citizens in 16 ancestral villages have been subject to laws imposed by Cameroon, labeling the situation a “national embarrassment” and a violation of Nigerian sovereignty. He stated, “The illegal occupation of these villages and waters by Cameroon contravenes the ICJ ruling, the 1913 Anglo-German treaties, and sections of the Nigerian Constitution.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) stressed the urgency of the matter, asserting, “We cannot wait for a minute.” In support, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) characterized the plight of these communities as critical, referring to them as “stateless” due to ambiguous jurisdiction between Nigeria and Cameroon.
The Senate has committed to engaging with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to utilize diplomatic measures in addressing this infringement. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has instructed the ad-hoc committee to report findings within two weeks. The committee includes Senators from various regions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to this pressing issue.
The establishment of the Senate committee underscores the seriousness of the allegations regarding Cameroon’s annexation of Nigerian territory. With local communities affected and significant financial implications for the nation, the Senate’s swift response highlights the necessity for prompt diplomatic engagement and resolution. The next steps taken by the committee will be pivotal in reaffirming Nigeria’s territorial integrity and addressing the resultant humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
