The Senate has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged encroachment on Nigerian oil wells, led by Jimoh Ibrahim. The committee will report back in two months. The motion, sponsored by Aniekan Bassey, highlights the loss of over 2,560 oil wells and calls for action against this territorial infringement.
The Senate has established an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of Cameroon encroaching on Nigerian territory. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the committee after receiving majority support from fellow senators during a plenary session. The committee is tasked with reporting back within two months with findings and recommendations concerning the situation.
Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, will lead the committee, which includes various senators: Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West), Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), Shehu Kaka (Borno Central), Agom Jarigbe (Cross River Central), Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-West), who sponsored the motion titled “Illegal annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands, waters, and its crude oil by the Republic of Cameroon.”
Bassey argued that the annexed areas were never ceded to Cameroon and stated that the encroachment has resulted in a loss of over 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues. He labeled this situation an infringement on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and a violation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, the 1913 Anglo-German treaties, and relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution.
Ibrahim emphasized the need for Nigeria to bring this matter before the United Nations, warning of the potential environmental disaster and reduction in national revenue resulting from this violation. Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) echoed that Nigeria should enforce the ICJ ruling regarding the mangrove islands and quickly recover its territory and oil wells.
The committee will engage with various key stakeholders, including the National Boundary Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and security agencies, for further analysis of the situation.
In summary, the Senate’s establishment of an ad hoc committee reflects Nigeria’s proactive approach to addressing territorial encroachment by Cameroon. The allegations revolve around illegal annexation impacting numerous oil wells and resources, undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty. The committee’s engagement with key stakeholders aims to navigate this complex issue effectively and uphold national integrity and revenue.
Original Source: www.thecable.ng
