The Nigerian House of Representatives’ Ad hoc Committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary Dispute is considering appealing the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict, which granted the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. The committee is also investigating Cameroon’s alleged encroachment into another territory in Cross River State, Nigeria.
A motion presented by Hon Victor Abang revealed that the Danare and Biajua communities, along with 7,000–10,000 hectares of land in the Boki Area of Cross River State, are at risk of being incorporated into Cameroon. The basis of this potential loss stems from the same 2002 ICJ judgment.
Given the potential loss of a significant landmass and the Nigerian citizens residing there, the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Beni Lar, voiced her concern and assured that efforts will be made to prevent any further Nigerian territory from being ceded.
She emphasized the need for a legal and political solution, even possibly involving a fresh appeal to the ICJ through diplomatic channels to ensure the rights and nationality of the residents in the disputed areas.
However, the Director General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Adamu Adaji, called for adherence to the ICJ ruling, which sparked criticism from committee members who accused the NBC of failing to protect the country’s interests. Local leaders are also urging for immediate intervention to prevent displacement.
SOURCE: Independent
IMAGE: Punch
