The Senate has moved to wade into the controversy surrounding the annexation of Nigerian lands by Cameroun.
The Senate on Tuesday set-up an ad hoc committee to investigate the illegal annexation of Nigerian Mangroves Islands at Efiat-Mbo by the Republic of Cameroun, as it mandated the committee to recommend necessary actions to be take.
It’s decision followed a motion by Senator Aniekan Basssey representing Akwa Ibom North East federal constituency.
In his lead debate, Senator Bassey told the House that the annexed islands were not part of the territories ceded to the neighbouring country by the 1913 Anglo-German treaties and the 2002 decision by the international court of justice.
Senator Bassey also revealed that the action by Cameroun has caused Nigeria “huge economic loss of more than 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues which ought to accrue to Nigeria.”
He further explained that the situation has caused “monumental national embarrassment that foreign laws are imposed by the Cameroun Gendarmes on Nigerians living in the 16 Nigerian ancestral homes and villages` and in the said mangrove islands.”
A copy of the lead debate obtained by Daily Independent revealed that about 16 Nigerian villages in the area have been occupied by Cameroun soldiers.
He alleged that the “expansionist foreign policy” by the neighbouring country is a “breach of international laws, an affront on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s economic resources as well as national embarrassment.”
Recall that while on a state visit to Nigeria, Cameroun President, Paul Biya, was assured by his host, former President Muhammadu Buhari, that while Nigeria has since accepted the judgment of the international court of Justice of the disputed island, it was yet to determine the technical aspect of the international waters.
According to the motion Sponsor, the island, as well as west of the Rio Del Ray River serves as the official border line between the two countries as established by the 1913 Anglo German treaties and reaffirmed by the judgment of the international court of justice in 2002 which the countries pledged to abide by.
This is as he explained that in keeping to the treaties, Nigeria withdrew sovereignty over 32 villages from Adamawa State to Lake Chad areas, a move he said has not stopped Cameroun from seeking to claim more territories.
In their individual contributions, some Senators called for immediate action to restore hope to Nigerians living in the troubled territories.
Senator Serieke Dickson ( Bayelsa West) lamented the plight of people in the affected areas describing them as “stateless” people as both Cameroun and Nigeria treat them any how.
He paid glowing tribute to late Nigerian Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha who he said deployed troops to protect Nigerians during his reign.
Barau Jibrin (Kano North), Deputy Senate President while supporting the motion said “we need to move into action because we cannot wait for a minute.”
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) said “this is not a small matter “and urged the Senate President and the entire leadership to take the matter to President Tinubu, adding that what happened to Akwa Ibom state happened to all Nigeria”.
He said other African countries think of Nigeria as a “lame duck giant” and suggested that Nigeria should revisit her foreign policy which sees Africa as centre piece.”
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) described threats from Cameroun as challenging the sovereignty of Nigeria, adding “we need to report it to the United Nations.”
