Senate Takes Action to Recover Oil Wells and Gas Resources from Cameroon
The Nigerian Senate has initiated efforts to reclaim 2,560 oil wells and gas resources allegedly taken by Cameroon from territories in Akwa Ibom State. Senator Aniekan Bassey raised concerns about economic losses, illegal territorial control, and the imposition of foreign laws on Nigerian citizens. A Senate committee, chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has been formed to investigate the matter thoroughly and report in six weeks.
The Nigerian Senate has commenced actions aimed at reclaiming approximately 2,560 oil wells and significant gas resources allegedly appropriated by Cameroon. These resources are located in the mangrove islands of Effiat, within the Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, bordering the Gulf of Guinea. The encroachment, affecting 16 communities, has reportedly inflicted substantial economic losses on Nigeria.
Senator Aniekan Bassey, the representative for Akwa Ibom North East district, raised concerns during a plenary session that foreign laws enforced by Cameroonian authorities impose significant restrictions on Nigerian citizens residing in their ancestral homes in these territories. Bassey emphasized that the annexed areas are under illegal administrative control by Cameroon, separate from the territories defined by the October 2002 International Court of Justice ruling that resulted in Nigeria conceding the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.
In presenting his motion, Senator Bassey highlighted the economic significance of the islands and waters, which are vital for fishing and contain numerous oil wells and gas reserves due to Nigeria. He expressed concerns over the illegal annexation, asserting that the communities affected by this territorial dispute included approximately 16 villages, where Nigerian residents feel threatened by the presence of Cameroonian soldiers, despite no Cameroonian citizens residing in these areas.
Bassey also recounted a historical context where two months after a public protest against the presence of Cameroonian soldiers, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari responded to President Paul Biya’s inquiries regarding Nigeria’s stance on Bakassi and joint oil ventures. He assured that while Nigeria accepted the International Court of Justice judgment, the specific status of the mangrove islands needed further technical determination.
Highlighting concerns over Cameroon’s continual aggressive foreign policy and unlawful annexation, Bassey argued this breached international laws and infringed upon Nigeria’s territorial integrity, undermining national economic resources. Additionally, he referenced a 1964 resolution from the Organization of African Unity pledging respect for established national borders post-independence and the historical significance of the 1913 Anglo-German treaties that define Nigeria’s boundaries in this region.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed that the leadership will liaise with the Presidency to strategize on recovering the stolen resources. Following the discussions, the Senate established a committee chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim to investigate these matters thoroughly and report findings within six weeks.
The Senate of Nigeria is taking decisive steps to recover around 2,560 oil wells and gas resources claimed by Cameroon, underscoring the importance of these areas to Nigeria’s economic welfare. Senator Aniekan Bassey has highlighted the illegal annexation of Nigerian territories and the imposition of foreign laws on Nigerian citizens, necessitating a formal investigation. Senate President Akpabio’s commitment to engaging with the Presidency reflects the urgency of addressing these territorial and resource-related conflicts.
Original Source: thewhistler.ng
