Nigeria to probe annexation of Bakassi island by Cameroon

The Nigerian House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate what it termed, “an illegal annexation of Mbo Mangrove Island by the Republic of Cameroon.”

The Island, which falls within Nigeria’s territory and separated from the Bakassi peninsular, is said to have been taken over by Cameroonian Gendarmes, who now police the Island and explore whatever mineral resources the Island possesses on behalf of Cameroon.

The issue was brought to the attention of the parliament on Wednesday through a motion moved by Robinson Uwak.

Uwak, in the motion, noted that the Island, which hosts the Effiat clan and 16 villages of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is currently under the administrative control of the Republic of Cameroon.

Uwak, who noted the economic importance of the Island to the region, stressed that there are approximately 350 oil wells and copious fishing routes on the Island, which the Cameroonians now enjoy at the expense of Nigeria.

He said: “as a result of the illegal occupation of the Island by the Republic of Cameroon, oil and gas revenues, which should accrue to the Nigerian Government, are lost to the Republic of Cameroon.

“We are cognizant of the 11th March 1993 Anglo-German treaties that lay this Island firmly within Nigerian territory, as the Island lays west of the Rio Del Ray estuary, which serves as the official border line between Nigeria and Cameroon as re-affirmed by the international Court of Justice judgment on the 10th of October 2002.

“Observes that the continued expansionist foreign policy of the Republic of Cameroon, firstly, by the annexation and occupation of the territory of Southern Cameroons. Secondly, by the vigorous pursuit of Nigerian territory, including Bakassi Peninsular and the 16 fishing villages mentioned.

“Thirdly, by the maltreatment and intimidation of Nigerians carrying out economic activity at border communities”, he submitted.

The motion was unanimously adopted with a resolve to probe the illegal annexation as well as urging the Federal Government to assume sovereignty over the Island as a matter of necessity and urgency.