Senate Investigates Alleged Annexation of Nigerian Maritime Territory by Cameroon
The Senate of Nigeria has formed an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of Nigerian maritime territory inhabited by the Effiat clan. The committee, led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, was initiated following a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, highlighting the loss of oil revenues and sovereignty concerns. The Senate aims to engage with the government to resolve the matter swiftly.
On Tuesday, the Senate established an ad hoc committee, led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), to investigate allegations concerning Cameroon’s annexation of Nigerian maritime territory. This action followed a motion introduced by Senator Aniekan Bassey, with support from six senators, during plenary. The disputed area, home to the Effiat clan in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, is a significant fishing area and part of the Nigeria-Cameroon international boundary.
The Mbo mangrove island houses critical oil wells and gas reserves. Senator Bassey contended that the territory is not included in the areas ceded to Cameroon by the 1913 Anglo-German treaties or the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling from October 2002. He characterized the encroachment as an unlawful occupation, leading to a loss of over 2,560 oil wells and substantial oil and gas revenues for Nigeria.
Senator Bassey further asserted that this annexation has placed approximately 16 ancestral villages under Cameroonian jurisdiction, describing it as a “national embarrassment” that undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty. He stated, “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 is a direct assault on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and an unlawful exploitation of our economic resources.”
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), emphasized the urgency of the matter, proclaiming that action should not be delayed. Additionally, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) portrayed the situation as critical, noting that the affected communities are rendered “stateless” due to uncertainty over jurisdiction.
The Senate has resolved to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue diplomatic measures addressing the alleged annexation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the committee to report its findings within two weeks. Other committee members include Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Shehu Kaka, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Agom Jarigbe, Ekong Sampson, and the motion sponsor, Senator Aniekan Bassey.
The recent establishment of an ad hoc committee by the Senate to investigate the alleged annexation of Nigerian maritime territory by Cameroon underscores the urgency and significance of the issue. Given the economic implications and potential violation of sovereignty, the committee’s findings may prompt immediate diplomatic action to rectify the situation and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The involvement of key Senate officials indicates a concerted effort to address the grievances of affected communities and reclaim rightful jurisdiction over the disputed area.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
