Senate To Investigate Cameroon’s Encroachment On Akwa Ibom Islands And Oil Wells.
The Nigerian Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged annexation of maritime territories, including the mangrove islands and villages of the Effiat clan in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, by the Cameroonian government.
This decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP-Akwa Ibom) and co-sponsored by six other senators during a plenary session on Tuesday. The committee will be chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo) and includes Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), Shehu Kaka (APC-Borno), Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP-Rivers), Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers), Ekong Sampson (PDP-Akwa Ibom), and Aniekan Bassey (PDP-Akwa Ibom).
Concerns Over Illegal Annexation
The Mbo Mangrove Island, located west of the Rio Del Rey estuary, serves as the official boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon. The island is a key economic asset, hosting significant oil wells and abundant gas reserves.
Senator Bassey, citing the 1913 Anglo-German treaties and the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, argued that the encroachment into Nigerian territory was illegal. He lamented that the annexation had resulted in the loss of over 2,560 oil wells and substantial gas revenues that should rightfully belong to Nigeria.
Furthermore, Bassey expressed concern that Nigerians living in 16 ancestral homes and villages in the affected areas were being subjected to foreign laws imposed by Cameroon. He described the situation as a national embarrassment and a direct threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Call for Immediate Action
Several senators echoed the need for urgent intervention. Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) called on the National Boundary Commission to take swift action to protect the interests of Nigeria and its citizens.
Senator Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) stressed the importance of enforcing the ICJ ruling, which reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty over the mangrove islands. He urged the Attorney General of the Federation to explore legal avenues to ensure compliance with the ruling.
“We cannot allow Cameroon to continue holding onto our land. Let us act fast and recover our territory with over 2,000 oil wells,” Umeh stated.
Similarly, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo) described Cameroon’s actions as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty and suggested that the matter be reported to the United Nations.
Senate’s Resolution
In response to the concerns raised, the Senate resolved to:
– Engage President Bola Tinubu on the issue and urge him to initiate diplomatic talks with Cameroon.
– Mandate the ad-hoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation and report back within two weeks.
– Call on relevant government agencies, including the National Boundary Commission, to take decisive action to protect Nigeria’s territorial rights.
The Senate’s decision underscores the nation’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and ensuring that Nigeria’s maritime resources remain protected from external encroachment.
