The Nigerian Senate has established an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of Nigerian maritime territory, initiated by Senator Aniekan Bassey. The territory is critical for fishing and contains oil and gas reserves. Senators have stressed the illegal nature of this encroachment and its implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty, urging prompt diplomatic engagement to resolve the issue.
On Tuesday, the Senate of Nigeria established an ad hoc committee, led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), to investigate allegations surrounding the annexation of Nigerian maritime territory by Cameroon. This territory involves the Effiat clan in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, following a motion presented by Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom North East) that garnered support from six additional senators during a plenary session.
The Mbo mangrove island is critical as a fishing settlement located west of the Rio Del Rey estuary and serves as a segment of the international boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon. It is also known to contain oil wells and substantial gas reserves. Senator Bassey contended that this territory was never included in the lands ceded to Cameroon under previous treaties, specifically the 1913 Anglo-German treaties, nor within the International Court of Justice’s ruling from October 2002.
The senator characterized the Cameroonian encroachment as an illegal occupation that has resulted in a loss of over 2,560 oil wells and significant financial losses in oil and gas revenue for Nigeria. He emphasized that the annexation forces 16 ancestral villages to adhere to foreign laws, labeling it a “national embarrassment” and a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty. He stated, “The illegal occupation 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) highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that immediate action is vital. Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) further elaborated on the plight of affected communities, describing them as “stateless” due to the unclear jurisdiction between the two nations.
The Senate has resolved to involve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explore diplomatic measures in response to this alleged illegal annexation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mandated the ad-hoc committee to present its findings within a two-week timeframe. The committee comprises Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Shehu Kaka (APC, Borno Central), Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP, Rivers West), Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North), Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South), and the motion’s sponsor, Senator Aniekan Bassey.
In summary, the Nigerian Senate is taking significant steps to address the alarming allegations of the annexation of Nigerian maritime territory by Cameroon. Chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the newly formed committee will explore this situation, emphasizing the importance of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and economic resources. The urgency expressed by various senators reflects a collective commitment to resolve this issue through both investigative and diplomatic efforts, aiming for a swift resolution in alignment with international agreements.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
