The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on International Boundary Dispute Between Nigeria and Cameroon on Thursday called for swift action to be taken to prevent the loss of another Cross River State territory to Cameroon just like Bakassi.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mrs Beni Lar who made the remark during a press briefing, in Abuja said that the possibility underscores the urgent need for immediate action to outline the correct border stretch between the two countries.
Mrs Lar stated that a swift resolution was imperative to prevent history from repeating itself and to protect the rights and interests of Nigerians living in the affected areas.
“As you are all aware, the house resolution constituted this Ad-hoc committee to look into the border issues between Nigeria and Cameroon, proffer solutions and report back to the house for legislative act,” Mrs Lar said.
She said that constructive dialogue, negotiation and cooperation are essential to reaching a fair and just solution that respects historical, cultural and social ties, while protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens.
Mrs Beni Lar urged Nigerian citizens, civil society organisations and stakeholders to remain calm and patient, trusting the efforts of those charged legally to protect the fatherland.
She said, “The Ad-Hoc Committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon Border Dispute is urging all relevant stakeholders, both national and international, to lend their support and facilitate the amicable resolution process. Constructive dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation are essential to reaching a fair and just solution that respects historical, cultural, and social ties while protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens. The committee also calls upon Nigerian citizens, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to remain calm, 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”.
The committee chairman expressed appreciation to the office of the National Security Advisor, the national boundary commission, the office of the Surveyor general and the Nigerian Armed Forces for their support and cooperation to the committee.
The lawmaker who moved the motion that left to the setting up of the Ad-hoc committee, Hon Victor Abang, had said that the dispute was as a result of the non location of pillar 113A by the technical committee of the Cameroon- Nigeria mixed Commission.
Confidence Okwuchi
