The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged illegal annexation of maritime territories and mangrove islands. Senators have highlighted violations of various treaties and the economic impact on Nigeria, urging diplomatic and legal measures to address these concerns.
The Nigerian Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of maritime territories, which includes numerous mangrove islands and villages located in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State. This decision emerges from a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East, supported by six other senators during the plenary session on Tuesday.
The disputed islands, noted for their abundant oil wells and gas reserves, are at the center of ongoing conflict. Lawmakers have highlighted the illegality of Cameroon’s actions, citing violations of the 1913 Anglo-Japan treaties, an October 2002 verdict by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and specific sections of the Nigerian Constitution.
Senator Aniekan Bassey stated that this annexation has inflicted considerable economic losses on Nigeria, estimating that over 2,560 oil wells and significant gas revenues have been lost. During the same session, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe from the Cross River North Senatorial District raised alarming concerns regarding aggressive actions by Cameroonian gendarmes, who are reportedly harassing and assaulting residents, particularly women, living in border communities.
Senator Jarigbe emphasized the urgency of the issue and called for the domestic implementation of Anglo-German treaties. He referenced international laws pertaining to state sovereignty, territorial waters, and biodiversity that have been overlooked by Cameroon, urging the Nigerian government to undertake both diplomatic and legal measures to resolve the situation.
He advised consideration of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically regarding the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that establishes a 200 nautical mile territorial sovereignty for states. The ad-hoc committee will be led by Jimoh Ibrahim and includes a diverse group of senators, such as Seriake Dickson, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Shehu Kaka, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Aniekan Bassey, and Ekong Sampson.
In conclusion, the Senate resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu regarding this critical issue, urging him to establish necessary diplomatic strategies to counteract Cameroon’s illegal annexation of Nigeria’s maritime territories and mangrove islands.
In summary, the Nigerian Senate’s formation of an ad-hoc committee to tackle Cameroon’s alleged annexation of maritime areas reflects a serious commitment to uphold national sovereignty. With significant economic implications and violations of international treaties at stake, swift diplomatic and legal action is deemed essential. Senators actively advocate for a defined response, emphasizing the importance of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.calitown.com
