Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. John Gaul-Lebo, has said the state will resist any boundary adjustment in favour of Cameroon.
The United Nations Nigeria/Cameroon Mixed Commission had during its visit to Bashua and Danare in the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State in January 2014, readjusted new boundaries covering 25 kilometres – following the inability to trace two key boundary posts (pillars 113A and 114A) that were erected in 1913.
The action sparked off a protest from the leaders of the communities, who alleged that no fewer than 20 Nigerian communities could be ceded to Cameroon if the boundary posts of the 25-kilometre land mass were not found.
However, as the mixed commission prepares to visit the disputed area again, the Speaker said steps would be taken to resist any adjustment that would alter the boundary of the state in favour of Cameroon.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Gaul-Lebo said, “The Cross River State Government has made her position clear on the matter. The last time, we heard about their intention to demarcate again the boundary area and the government resisted, the people also resisted. If they come again, we will also resist them within the ambit of the law.
“The people of Boki and, particularly, the disputed boundary areas have every right to be scared and worried. As Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly and as a House, we are worried too. But we are vigilant and I want to assure them that we won’t sit down and fold our arms and allow anybody in the name of United Nations or any commission to extend the boundary.”
Gaul-Lebo said it was annoying that another boundary dispute was brewing in Cross River when the state was never mentioned in the International Court of Justice ruling that ceded Bakassi to Cameroon.
He blamed Nigerian government officials for allowing such an adjustment from the international community.
He said, “The Boki boundary, which includes Danare, is not a maritime boundary but a land boundary and the land boundary was not part of the International Court of Justice ruling in respect of Bakassi. The land boundary issue only came up in respect to the Lake Chad Basin.
“So, our position has been that the maritime boundaries have been concluded with the ceding of Bakassi and other adjourning territories of Abana to Cameroon. Boki land boundary or any other boundary in Cross River State was not specifically mentioned or even articulated by Cameroon as part of claims at the ICJ.
“It is the lack of understanding by Nigeria officials to allow the joint mixed commission to veer off into the land boundary of Boki and other rain forests including the Obudu Ranch Resort.
“I think the Federal Government needs to sit up and have a clear understanding and appreciation of the issues and ensure that they do not overreach the judgment of the ICJ with respect of the land boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon.”
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