‘FG Committed To Protecting Nigerians In Bakassi Peninsula’

The Federal Government on Tuesday restated its commitment to the protection of the
rights of Nigerians living in the Bakassi Peninsula.

The Attorney-General of
the Federation, Mr Mohammed Adoke, made the statement in Abuja at the 30th session of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed
Commission (CNMC).

He said:
“the Federal Government will continue to do everything possible to protect the
rights of Nigerians living in the Bakassi Peninsula.

“The government will also ensure that it assists in the resettlement of those who have indicated willingness to return to Nigeria,’’ he said.

Adoke,
who is also justice minister and leader of the Nigerian delegation on the CNMC,
said that the government was

concerned
about reported cases of maltreatment of citizens in the peninsula.

He noted
that the most significant achievement of the CNMC remained the prevalence of
peace in both countries.

Adoke
said that the peace and cordial relations existing between the two countries
had led to the attainment of the transfer of sovereignty of the villages
affected by the judgment at International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Lake
Chad Area in 2003.

The
minister urged the two countries to continue to give their best, “especially
now that the work of the commission is near completion.”

“I wish
to commend the Government of Cameroon and the UN team for its unrelenting
efforts toward the provision of social amenities in the affected areas of the
Bakassi Zone.”

Adoke
also urged the Cameroonian Government to urgently investigate and address the
Greentree Agreement and other international human rights instruments, which
both countries are signatorie to.

“This is important as it will provide an enabling
political environment for the activities of the CNMC and the Follow-Up
Committee.

“It will also strengthen the government in its resolve
to faithfully implement the ICJ judgment,’’ he said.

Adoke commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the
Cameroonian President, Paul Biya, for their commitment to peace between the
countries.

Also speaking, Dr Muhammad Ahmad, the Director-General,
National Boundary Commission, said that the meeting would bring a significant
achievement in the mandates of the Mixed Commission.

“This gathering will boost the efforts we are making to
enhance the mixed commission and to bring a greater change and stronger
relations between the two countries,’’ Ahmad said.

He appreciated the Federal Government, the UN Team and
the Cameroonian government for their dedications and efforts toward the success
of the commission.