The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged encroachment on Nigerian territory, particularly concerning oil wells. Led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the committee aims to report back with recommendations within two months. The motion highlights the loss of significant oil revenues and raises concerns about territorial integrity and compliance with international law.
The Nigerian Senate has established an ad hoc committee to investigate claims of Cameroon’s unlawful encroachment on Nigerian territory, particularly concerning oil wells. This announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a session on Tuesday, following a supportive voice vote from senators. The committee is tasked with delivering its findings and recommendations to the Senate within a two-month period.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, will lead the committee, which also includes Senators Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West, Ipalibo Banigo of Rivers West, Adeniyi Adegbonmire of Ondo Central, Shehu Kaka of Borno Central, Agom Jarigbe of Cross River Central, and Ekong Samson of Akwa Ibom South. Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-West, who sponsored the motion titled ‘Illegal annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands, waters, and its crude oil by the Republic of Cameroon’, is also part of this committee.
In his motion, Bassey asserted that the annexed areas were never part of the territory granted to Cameroon, estimating a loss of over 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues due to this encroachment. He described the actions as an affront to Nigeria’s territorial integrity and a violation of its economic resources, citing contraventions of international treaties and the Nigerian Constitution concerning territorial rights.
Senator Ibrahim emphasized the urgency of reporting the matter to the United Nations, stating that silence in the face of such sovereignty threats is unacceptable. He warned of potential environmental disasters and significant decreases in national revenue due to the encroachment. Senator Victor Umeh added that Nigeria must enforce the International Court of Justice’s ruling regarding the mangrove islands, advocating for swift recovery of the territory and oil wells.
Supportive remarks came from various senators, including Barau Jibrin, Abdul Ningi, and Asuquo Ekpenyong, advocating for the committee to engage with the National Boundary Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and security agencies to address these pressing concerns efficiently.
The establishment of the ad hoc committee underscores the Nigerian Senate’s commitment to addressing territorial infringements. With a focus on investigating Cameroon’s encroachment of Nigerian oil wells, the committee aims to recover lost resources and uphold national sovereignty while complying with international laws. This move reflects the seriousness of the issue and the collective effort of lawmakers to safeguard Nigeria’s interests.
Original Source: www.thecable.ng
