Investigation Launched into Alleged Illegal Annexation of Nigerian Islands by Cameroon

The Nigerian Senate has initiated an investigation into Cameroon’s alleged illegal annexation of the Efiat-Mbo mangrove Islands. An adhoc committee has been formed to report back in eight weeks while urging immediate protection of Nigeria’s territorial waters and oil resources. Lawmakers called for international intervention and a review of related legal rulings.

The Nigerian Senate has established an adhoc committee to investigate the claimed illegal annexation of the Efiat-Mbo mangrove Islands by Cameroon. This action came in light of concerns that the Republic of Cameroon has encroached upon Nigeria’s maritime territories. Furthermore, the Senate has urged President Bola Tinubu to implement immediate measures to protect Nigeria’s territorial waters and associated oil reserves located within the affected region, encompassing over 2,560 identified oil wells.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) has been appointed to lead the adhoc committee, which includes various other senators from different regions. This decision emerged following a motion introduced by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who highlighted the severe economic and territorial repercussions of Cameroon’s actions, emphasizing that these mangrove Islands were not included in any historical treaties or rulings that delineated territorial boundaries.

Senator Bassey expressed concerns about the impact of Cameroonian security forces imposing foreign laws on Nigerians residing in 16 ancestral villages. He noted that this unauthorized action not only incurs significant economic losses, estimated at over 2,560 oil wells, but also represents an affront to Nigeria’s national integrity and legal sovereignty. The lawmaker characterized the situation as a profound national embarrassment that undermines Nigeria’s territorial rights.

Furthermore, the motion raised by Senator Bassey insisted that the annexation contravenes numerous international agreements. Senators advocated for a reconsideration of the International Court of Justice’s 2002 ruling on the matter and the filing of a report to the United Nations Convention. Concerns about escalating tensions with Cameroon were further echoed by other lawmakers, who reiterated the necessity of swift action to prevent further provocations.

Senator Seriake Dickson denounced the adverse conditions faced by affected individuals, who are left in a vulnerable state described as “stateless”. Echoing these sentiments, Senator Jibrin Barau underscored the urgency for immediate action on the issue. Lawmakers collectively emphasized the need for Nigeria to reassess its foreign policy towards neighboring countries, positioning Africa as a priority.

Reflecting on the seriousness of these developments, Senator Ibrahim contended that the threats posed by Cameroon challenge Nigeria’s sovereignty and called for international attention, urging a report to the United Nations for appropriate intervention. Following the resolutions adopted in the Senate, President Akpabio confirmed the composition of the oversight committee to ensure a thorough investigation, with a directive for a report to be presented to the Senate within an eight-week timeframe.

The Nigerian Senate’s creation of an adhoc committee underscores the urgent need to address Cameroon’s alleged encroachment on Nigerian territories, notably the Efiat-Mbo mangrove Islands. The Senate’s call for protective measures by the executive and advocacy for international intervention reflects the seriousness of the situation. Overall, the developments highlight pressing issues regarding national sovereignty, economic impacts, and the need for a robust foreign policy strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and resources.

Original Source: dailypost.ng