Nigerian Senate Responds to Alleged Cameroonian Annexation of Maritime Territories

The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of maritime territories. This decision follows concerns raised by Senator Aniekan Bassey regarding economic losses and illegal actions contradicting international law. Senators, including Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, have noted aggressive behavior by Cameroonian forces and called for urgent diplomatic action to resolve the matter.

The Nigerian Senate has formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate Nigeria’s claims regarding Cameroon’s alleged illegal annexation of maritime territories, mangrove islands, and villages situated in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State. This formation follows a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East and co-sponsored by six colleagues during a plenary session on Tuesday.

The disputed islands are significant due to their rich deposits of oil and gas, making the annexation a contentious issue. Lawmakers argue that this action is illegal and infringes upon the 1913 Anglo-Japan treaties, the October 2002 International Court of Justice decision, and provisions within the Nigerian Constitution.

Senator Bassey remarked that this invasion has led to substantial economic detriment, as Nigeria has been deprived of revenues from over 2,560 oil wells and gas resources. He urged immediate action to protect Nigeria’s interests regarding these territories.

During the session, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North voiced his alarm over reported aggressive actions by Cameroonian gendarmes, including harassment and assault on residents of Nigerian border communities. He called for urgent intervention, stressing the necessity to adhere to domestic laws and international regulations related to state sovereignty and biodiversity.

Jarigbe highlighted the importance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which delineates the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical miles from a state’s coast. He emphasized that Cameroon’s actions contravene this framework.

The ad-hoc committee, chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, also includes Senators Seriake Dickson, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Shehu Kaka, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Aniekan Bassey, and Ekong Sampson. The Senate has resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu on this pressing matter, urging him to initiate diplomatic efforts to counter Cameroon’s annexation.

In summary, the Nigerian Senate’s establishment of an ad-hoc committee to examine Cameroon’s alleged illegal annexation of territorial waters and mangrove islands reflects a significant legislative response to territorial disputes. The committee aims to uphold Nigeria’s constitution and assert maritime rights, urging diplomatic engagement with the President to address these encroachments effectively.

Original Source: www.calitown.com