The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of Nigerian maritime territory and mangrove island villages. Led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the committee must report within two weeks. Senator Aniekan Bassey highlighted the legal implications and loss of resources, while the urgency of the situation was emphasized by various senators.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate established an ad hoc committee, led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), to investigate the alleged annexation of Nigerian maritime territory and mangrove island villages by Cameroon. The affected territory is home to the Effiat clan in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and has become a focal point of contention. This initiative followed a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom North East) and supported by six other senators during a plenary session.
The Mbo mangrove island is a crucial fishing settlement located west of the Rio Del Rey estuary, demarcating part of the international boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon, with significant oil wells and gas reserves in the region. In his motion, Senator Bassey articulated that this territory was never ceded to Cameroon under the 1913 Anglo-German treaties or the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling of October 2002. He condemned the encroachment as illegal occupation, leading to the loss of over 2,560 oil wells and substantial oil and gas revenues for Nigeria.
Senator Bassey expressed concern that the annexation has imposed foreign Cameroonian laws upon Nigerians in 16 ancestral villages, labeling it a “national embarrassment” and a “threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty.” He asserted, “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.” This situation is perceived as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s territorial integrity and an unlawful exploitation of its resources.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “We cannot wait for a minute.” Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) characterized the situation as urgent, indicating that the affected communities are effectively “stateless” due to unclear jurisdiction between the two nations. The Senate has resolved to collaborate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue diplomatic resolutions concerning the illegal annexation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has instructed the ad hoc committee to deliver its findings within a two-week timeframe. The committee includes 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), and Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South), alongside the motion’s sponsor, Senator Aniekan Bassey.
The formation of the ad hoc committee by the Nigerian Senate highlights the critical concern regarding the alleged annexation of maritime territory by Cameroon. With significant implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and economic resources, the committee is tasked with investigating the matter thoroughly while collaborating with governmental officials to seek diplomatic solutions. The urgency expressed by multiple senators underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly and effectively.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
