The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged encroachment on its oil wells. Led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the committee is to report back in two months. The motion, sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, claims that the encroachment has led to significant losses in Nigeria’s oil resources, asserting a breach of international law and national integrity.
The Nigerian Senate has established an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations surrounding Cameroon’s encroachment on Nigerian territory, specifically regarding oil wells. Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed this during a plenary session, where the committee was swiftly approved via voice votes from the majority of senators. The committee is tasked with providing a report and recommendations to the Senate within the next two months.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of Ondo South will lead the committee, which includes key members such as Seriake Dickson from Bayelsa West and Ipalibo Banigo from Rivers West. Additional members include Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Shehu Kaka, Agom Jarigbe, and Ekong Samson, along with Aniekan Bassey from Akwa Ibom North-West, who sponsored the motion entitled “Illegal annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands, waters, and crude oil by the Republic of Cameroon.”
Senator Bassey emphasized that the encroached areas were never part of the territory ceded to Cameroon and highlighted that this incursion has resulted in the loss of over 2,560 oil wells and substantial gas revenues, undermining Nigeria’s territorial integrity and economic resources. He asserted that the situation violates the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling and several historical treaties.
Senator Ibrahim asserted the necessity for Nigeria to report this issue to the United Nations, stating, “The senate cannot keep quiet when there’s a threat to the sovereignty of our country.” He warned that failure to address this violation could lead to environmental disasters and financial losses for the nation.
Senator Victor Umeh called for immediate enforcement of the ICJ ruling, stating that Nigeria cannot remain passive in recovering its territory and over 2,000 oil wells. Other lawmakers, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senator Abdul Ningi, also contributed their insights on the motion. The committee plans to engage various stakeholders, including the National Boundary Commission and relevant security agencies, during its investigation.
The establishment of the ad hoc committee by the Nigerian Senate demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the concerning issue of Cameroon’s encroachment on Nigerian oil territories. Led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and supported by various notable senators, the committee is tasked with providing critical insights and recommendations within two months. With widespread recognition of potential violations of territorial integrity and economic exploitation, the initiative highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to reinforce its sovereignty and engage relevant international bodies.
Original Source: www.thecable.ng
