The Nigerian Senate is working to recover 2,560 oil wells and gas resources claimed by Cameroon. This illegal annexation affects 16 communities in Akwa Ibom State, leading to significant economic loss. Senator Aniekan Bassey’s motion emphasizes that these territories were illegally administered by Cameroon and calls for action from the Nigerian government to reclaim them.
The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to reclaim approximately 2,560 oil wells and unquantified gas reserves allegedly annexed by Cameroon. These resources are located in mangrove islands across 16 communities in the Effiat area, Akwa Ibom State, situated along Nigeria’s Gulf of Guinea coastline. Senator Aniekan Bassey raised this issue during a plenary session, highlighting significant economic losses and illegal actions impacting Nigerians in their ancestral lands.
Senator Bassey emphasized the embarrassment of foreign laws being enforced by Cameroon’s Gendarmes on Nigerian nationals residing in these territories. He stated that the annexed areas are not covered by the 2002 International Court of Justice ruling that led to the transfer of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. He introduced a motion citing the economic importance of the islands, which provide vital fishing routes and considerable oil and gas resources.
The senator expressed concern over the presence of Cameroonian soldiers in these Nigerian communities, prompting local protests due to discomfort and perceived infringements on their rights. Furthermore, he noted that during a visit by Cameroon President Paul Biya in 2016, discussions with Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari revealed unresolved technical aspects regarding the determination of international waters concerning the disputed mangrove islands.
Bassey highlighted the aggressive foreign policy of Cameroon as a serious breach of international law and a violation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He referenced commitments made by African nations to respect each other’s borders after independence. The Anglo-German treaties of 1913 affirm that these mangrove islands lie within Nigerian territory, confirmed by the International Court of Justice in 2002.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced that the Senate would engage with the presidency for action on the matter, assuring that illegal annexations will not hinder Nigeria’s resources or compromise its territorial sovereignty. A committee chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was established to thoroughly investigate the issue and provide a report in six weeks.
In summary, the Nigerian Senate has initiated efforts to recover oil and gas resources reportedly annexed by Cameroon, which has raised significant economic and territorial concerns. Senator Aniekan Bassey’s motion outlines the legal basis for reclaiming these areas and addresses the implications of foreign enforcement of laws on Nigerian soil. The Senate’s decision to form a committee for investigation underscores the urgency of resolving this territorial dispute to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
Original Source: thewhistler.ng
