Nigeria Finally withdraws from Bakassi (18/8/08)

The Federal Government says though the handing over of Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon is painful, it has a responsibility to keep its commitment to the International Community, promote international peace and cooperation and advance the cause of African brotherhood and good neighborliness.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN) stated this during the final withdrawal of Nigerian Civil Administration and transfer of Authority in the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon in Calabar, Thursday, adding that the action is President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua’s practical demonstration of his administration’s total commitment to the rule of law.

Aondoakaa noted that this indicates Yar ’Adua’s sincere belief that if African leaders totally to the rule of law, peace would reign in Africa, adding that the gains of the action which were in pursuit of international peace, good neighborliness and rule of law, may in the final analysis, outweigh the painful losses in territory, ancestral homes and other emotions.

The Minister assured the people of Bakassi that the Federal Government is very much interested in their welfare as the President is concerned about the welfare of bona fide citizens of Nigeria who have found themselves in a territory legally another country, stressing that against this background, government various measures to address these concerns as “there are sincere arrangements for the resettlement of our citizens who elect to remain in Bakassi as citizens of Cameroon.

He expressed government’s appreciation of the fact that the handover would certainly generate some socio economic and political fall outs. To manage the peculiar circumstances and the developmental needs of Nigeria’s international border communities, he added that government, soon after the judgement, enacted the Border Communities Development Agency Act, 2003 and amended same in 2006 to meet the expectations of the current challenges.

The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Francis Adah drew attention to the Green Tree Agreement which spelt out modalities for the transfer of Bakassi to Cameroon which among other things, provides that Nigerians are free to remain in the peninsula if they choose to do so.

Hon. Adah said Article 3 of the Agreement provides that Cameroon shall “not force Nigerian nationals living in Bakassi to leave the zone or change their nationality; respect their culture, language and beliefs, respect their rights to continue their agricultural and fishing activities and protect their property and their custom and rights”

Others include “not levy in any discriminatory manner any taxes and other dues on Nigerians living in the zone; and take every necessary measure to protect Nigerian nationals living in the zone from any harassment or harm”

He advised Nigerian nationals who have chosen to remain in Bakassi to be conscious of these rights, even as the Federal Government continues to ensure that their rights are not abused, urging them to engage in legitimate commercial activities with their Cameroonian counterparts.

The Acting Governor disclosed that the task of resettling the displaced people of Bakassi who have chosen to move away from the area is enormous as their needs, which go far beyond shelter, food and security also require a rehabilitation of their entire lives.

He stressed that the international community has a big role to play, in assisting with provision of funds, and reassuring the displaced people that they remain accepted members of the world.

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and Chairman, Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commissioner Sa’id Djinmit said the ceremony marked yet another milestone in the cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon and that it should serve as a model to be emulated in many places in Africa where boundary disputes remain to be settled as most of Africa’s borders have yet to be determined.

Djinmit, , disclosed that progress has been achieved in Bakassi in the name of international law and peace between neighbors and by taking the courageous and wise decision to resolve the border dispute, the leaders of Nigeria and Cameroon have acted in a manner consistent with their duty to their citizens and to the international community.

He assured the Bakassi people that they will not be left behind as the Green Tree Agreement guarantees their rights and protection even as both Nigeria and Cameroon have affirmed their commitment to protect those fundamental rights while United Nations will assist in coordinating technical assistance for them.

The leader of the Cameroonian delegation to the Follow Up Committee, and Minister of State for Justice, Prof. Maurice Kamto, said President Paul Biya of Cameroon had affirmed his determination to implement the historic Green Tree Agreement in its entirety and looks forward to establish with President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of Nigeria new, reliable and mutually beneficial relationships between Cameroon and Nigeria.

Kamto remarked that the outcome of the exercise with the assistance of United Nations deserves to be hailed and acknowledged.

A message from the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon and delivered by Sir Kieran Prendergast as Chairman of the Follow Up Committee, said the Green Tree Agreement was also the embodiment of an innovative approach to conflict resolution beginning with the withdrawal of Nigerian troops from Bakassi two years ago and culminating in the ceremony which has proven the viability of a peaceful and legal settlement of border disputes, done with full cooperation of the international community and in the spirit of mutual respect, good neighborliness and cooperation.

Moon advised that as the two countries continue to work together to finalize the demarcation of their boundary and foster cross-border cooperation at different levels, they will benefit from the continued engagement and support of the United Nations, adding that whether Cameroonian or Nigerians, the people of Bakassi can be assured of the continued support of the United Nations.

The ceremony witnessed the signing of the handing over instrument by the two countries with the assistance of the United Nations as well as exchange of flags by Nigeria and Cameroon.

Government House Press