The house of representatives ad hoc committee on the
international boundary dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon says “swift” action
must be taken to prevent the nation from losing another territory to its
neighbour.
In 2008, Nigeria ceded Bakassi Peninsula — over 1,000sq/ km
territory — to Cameroon following the Greentree agreement.
Nigeria lost the territory to Cameroon based on a judgment
of the International Court of Justice in The Hague in October 2002.
Last week, 10 lawmakers 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.
Victor Abang from Cross River, who led the debate on the
motion, had said the situation is a result of the non-location of pillar 113A
by the technical committee of the Cameroon-Nigeria mixed commission.
The motion was deliberated and the house subsequently set up
an ad hoc committee to look into the case of potential land encroachment by the
Cameroonian government.
Addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Beni Lar,
chairperson of the committee, 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.”
She said the committee recognises the gravity of the
situation and the profound implications it holds for Nigeria’s territorial
integrity and the welfare of citizens, adding 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.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com