The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad hoc committee to investigate claims that Cameroon has illegally annexed Nigerian maritime territory, particularly affecting the Mbo Local Government Area. The committee, chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, was established following a motion from Senator Aniekan Bassey. The matter raised concerns regarding the loss of oil and gas revenues, as well as the legality of the annexation under international treaties.
On Tuesday, the Senate established an ad hoc committee, under the leadership of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), to investigate claims that the Republic of Cameroon has unlawfully annexed Nigerian maritime territory, specifically affecting the Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. This decision followed the adoption of a motion introduced by Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom North East), who was joined by six additional senators during the plenary session.
The Mbo mangrove island, an essential fishing area located west of the Rio Del Rey estuary, constitutes part of the international boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon. This region is noteworthy for its underground resources, such as oil wells and gas reserves. Senator Bassey maintained that the territory was not included in either the 1913 Anglo-German treaties or the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling of October 2002, alleging illegal occupation and substantial economic loss for Nigeria.
Senator Bassey noted that this annexation has forced residents of 16 villages into the jurisdiction of foreign Cameroonian laws, labeling the situation a “national embarrassment” and a “threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty.” He emphasized that the illegal occupation contravenes both the ICJ ruling and various sections of the Nigerian Constitution, presenting a direct challenge to Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) urged immediate action, asserting, “We cannot wait for a minute.” Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) expressed concerns for the affected communities, which he characterized as “stateless” due to ambiguous legal jurisdiction between the two nations.
The Senate resolved to involve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in pursuing diplomatic avenues regarding the alleged illegal annexation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio tasked the committee with delivering its findings within a two-week timeframe. The committee comprises Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Shehu Kaka (APC, Borno Central), Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP, Rivers West), Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North), and Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South), alongside Senator Aniekan Bassey, who sponsored the motion.
The establishment of an ad hoc committee by the Senate to scrutinize the alleged annexation of Nigerian territory by Cameroon highlights the urgency and gravity of the situation. Led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the committee will investigate claims of illegal occupation impacting vital oil and gas resources and residents’ sovereignty. With strong bipartisan support and calls for immediate action, the Senate is poised to address this national concern effectively.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
