The Nigerian Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of Cameroon’s illegal annexation of maritime territories and mangrove islands, citing violations of international treaties and significant economic losses. Concerns regarding the treatment of residents were raised, and the necessity for diplomatic action has been emphasized.
The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of maritime territories, mangrove islands, and villages within Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. This resolution was prompted by a motion introduced by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East and supported by six additional senators during the plenary session.
The contested islands, which possess valuable oil wells and gas reserves, have become a subject of serious dispute. Lawmakers contend that Cameroon’s actions violate the 1913 Anglo-Japan treaties, the October 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, and pertinent sections of the Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 12 subsections 1, 2, and 3.
Senator Bassey highlighted that this territorial encroachment has resulted in significant economic detriment, claiming that Nigeria has lost access to over 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues. During the same session, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe raised alarms regarding the aggressive conduct of Cameroonian gendarmes, who have reportedly harassed and assaulted residents within Nigerian border communities, particularly affecting women.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Senator Jarigbe advocated for the incorporation of the Anglo-German treaties into Nigerian law. He referenced international law governing territorial sovereignty and biodiversity, which he claimed Cameroon has neglected. He also called for prompt diplomatic and legal responses to resolve the issue.
Furthermore, Senator Jarigbe mentioned the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically highlighting the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which delineates a 200-nautical-mile area of sovereignty for states.
The ad-hoc committee, led by Chairman Jimoh Ibrahim, includes Senators Seriake Dickson, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Shehu Kaka, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Aniekan Bassey, and Ekong Sampson. The Senate has resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu to address this critical issue and to encourage the establishment of diplomatic relations concerning the illegal annexation.
The formation of an ad-hoc committee by the Nigerian Senate signifies a proactive response to Cameroon’s alleged illegal annexation of maritime territories. The Senate’s articulated concerns regarding lost economic resources and the treatment of citizens at the border highlight the gravity of this issue. Urgent diplomatic and legal measures, alongside engagement with the current presidential administration, are deemed necessary for the restoration of territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.calitown.com
