The Nigerian Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged annexation by Cameroon, of maritime territories, mangrove islands, and villages in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State. This decision follows a sponsored motion, by Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East, co-sponsored by six other senators, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The disputed island, rich in oil wells and gas reserves, has been a point of contention. Lawmakers emphasized that Cameroon’s annexation is illegal, contradicting the 1913 Anglo-Japan treaties, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision of October 2002, and Section 12 subsections 1, 2, and 3 of the Nigerian Constitution as amended.
Bassey noted that this encroachment has resulted in significant economic losses, with over 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues denied to Nigeria.
At Tuesday’s plenary, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, expressed concern about the aggressive behavior of Cameroonian gendarmes, who have been harassing and assaulting residents, including women, in Nigerian border communities.
He emphasized the need for urgent attention on this issue, highlighting the importance of domesticating the Anglo-German treaties and citing International Laws governing state sovereignty, territorial waters, and biodiversity, which Cameroon has disregarded. He also urged the government to take diplomatic and legal action to address the issue.
Additionally, Jarigbe referred to the 1982 United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea, UNCLOS, particularly the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which provides 200 nautical miles as the area of sovereignty for any state.
The ad-hoc committee, chaired by Jimoh Ibrahim, comprises senators Seriake Dickson, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Shehu Kaka, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Aniekan Bassey, and Ekong Sampson.
In its resolution, the Senate resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu on the matter and urged him to establish diplomatic relations to address Cameroon’s illegal annexation of Nigeria’s maritime territory and mangrove islands.
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