Bassey Lauds Akpabio As Senate Probes Cameroon’s Annexation Claim

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Aniekan Bassey has commended the leadership of the Nigerian Senate led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, for taking decisive action in probing the alleged annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands by Cameroon.

In a statement issued to LEADERSHIP, by senator Bassey, he said, “I commend the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the entire Senate leadership for prioritizing this critical issue.

“The alleged annexation of Nigerian territory by a foreign government is a serious matter that demands immediate attention.The Senate’s resolve to investigate this development is a step in the right direction to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He stated

Senator Bassey in his motion brought under Orders 41 and 51 of Senate standing rules, said the areas were not part of the territory ceded to the government of Cameroon.

He said given the 1913 Anglo-Japan treaties and the International Court of Justice ruling of Oct 2002, the encroachment into the territories were illegal.

On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged annexation of maritime territories, mangrove islands villages of Effiat clan in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

The resolution is sequel to adoption of a motion, sponsored by Sen. Aniekan Bassey (PDP-Akwa Ibom) and co-sponsored by six other senators at plenary on Tuesday.

LEADERSHIP reports that Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo) was named Chairman of the ad-hoc committee.

Members of the committee included senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo) Seriake Dickson (PDP-Baylesa), Shehu Kaka (APC- Borno), Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP-Rivers).

Also in the committee are, senators Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers), Ekong Sampson (PDP- Akwa Ibom), Aniekan Bassey (PDP-Akwa Ibom).