The House of Representatives has opposed alleged plans to cede communities in Cross River State to the neighboring Republic of Cameroon. The communities in question are Danare and Biajua, located in the Boki Local Government Area of the state. Members of the House of Representatives from Cross River jointly sponsored a motion against the ceding of these communities, which was unanimously adopted during plenary on July 5.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Victor Bisong Abang, the representative for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, highlighted that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on October 10, 2002, that the Bakassi Peninsula belongs to Cameroon based on an agreement reached during the civil war between Nigeria and Cameroon. The Supreme Court also ruled in July 2012 that Cross River State lost ownership rights to over 76 oil wells due to the loss of the peninsula.
Abang expressed concern that the demarcation exercise conducted by the Joint Technical Team (JTT) has not located Pillar 113A and intends to adopt a “straight-line method,” potentially resulting in the loss of Danare and Biajua communities and a significant amount of land to Cameroon. He argued that under the principles of federalism, the Federal Government of Nigeria should not unilaterally cede or allocate any part of a federating unit without the consent of the House.
The House of Representatives adopted the motion and summoned the Director General of the National Boundary Commission and the Surveyor General of the Federation to explain why Pillar 113A has not been located. They also resolved to investigate potential land encroachment by Cameroon and consult with experts to understand the technical aspects involved in resolving the encroachment. The matter has been referred to an ad hoc committee composed of technocrats with expertise in the issue.
