The ad hoc committee set up by the Nigeria House of Representatives on the international boundary dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon has warned Nigeria against losing another territory to it's neighbour, noting that a “swift” action must be taken to prevent that from happening.
Nigeria had in 2008 lost Bakassi Peninsula an over 1,000sq/km territory to Cameroon as a result of the Greentree agreement and based on a judgment of the International Court of Justice in The Hague in October 2002.
10 Nigerian lawmakers had last week moved a motion on the floor of the house, saying Danare and Biajua communities and about 7,000 to 10,000 hectares of land in the Boki area of Cross River state are at risk of being ceded to Cameroon.
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Rep. Victor Abang from Cross River, while leading the debate on the motion, said the situation is a result of the non-location of pillar 113A by the technical committee of the Cameroon-Nigeria mixed commission.
The house deliberated the motion and then subsequently set up an ad hoc committee to look into the case of potential land encroachment by the Cameroonian government.
The Chairperson of the Committee while addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, said all stakeholders in the country must work towards a swift resolution of the dispute to prevent the loss of land and citizens to Cameroon.
“The ad hoc committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon border dispute is deeply concerned about the potential loss of a significant landmass and Nigerian citizens residing within it to the Cameroon Republic,” she said.
“This alarming possibility, following the previous loss of the Bakassi peninsula, underscores the urgent need for immediate action to outline the correct border stretch between the two countries.”
While noting that the committee recognises the gravity of the situation and the profound implications it holds for Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the welfare of citizens, she added that a swift resolution is imperative to prevent history from repeating itself.
“The committee wishes to express its appreciation and commendation for the relentless efforts of the organisations and individuals who have worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria is not short-changed in the border dispute,” Lar said.
“The committee also calls upon Nigerian citizens, civil society organisations, and stakeholders to remain calm, and patient, trusting the efforts of those charged legally to protect the fatherland, as well as be supportive throughout this critical period.
“Unity and collaboration are crucial to achieving a favourable outcome that preserves Nigeria’s territorial integrity and upholds the rights of its citizens.
“Once again, the ad hoc committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon border dispute remains committed to a peaceful and amicable resolution guided by international law and the principles of justice, fairness and equity.
“We are confident that with the collective efforts of all parties involved and with very good sensitisation collaboration of the media, a lasting solution can be reached, which is securing Nigeria’s land and the well-being of its citizens.”
Nigeria government that don't take things such as this seriously until it happens they are only concerned about themselves
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