As the countdown to
October 10 deadline approaches, the presidency was yesterday seeking
legal advice on whether to seek the review of the judgment of the
International Court of Justice(ICJ) on Bakassi Peninsula as requested by
the National Assembly.
The Republic of Cameroon has approached the government to know its position on the National Assembly’s request.
It was learnt that the Federal
Government was in a dilemma since it had earlier given its word United
Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon that it would ensure full
compliance with the judgment.
There were also fears last night that the UN Security Council might sanction Nigeria if it seeks the review of the judgment.
Investigation by our correspondent
revealed that a committee comprising legal and boundary experts had been
meeting in the last 48 hours on the resolution of the Senate.
The committee was mandated by President
Goodluck Jonathan to weigh the implications of the resolution of the
Senate and options available to Nigeria .
As at press time, it was gathered that
the President was locked in a meeting with legal and boundary experts
and some of those who were part of the negotiation for the ceding of
Bakassi Peninsula .
A source, who spoke in confidence, said:
“The Senate resolution has put the Federal Government in a dicey
situation. Nigeria is in a fix on whether it should respect its
international obligation on the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula or go back
on its word and seek a review of the judgment.
“The President has sought legal and technical advice on the matter. He has also insisted on hearing all sides of the argument.
“A committee has worked on all issues,
implications and options available to Nigeria . A challenge to the
ceding of Bakassi is that it involved both maritime and land boundaries.
If Nigeria is seeking a review of the judgment, will it ask for
maritime or land boundaries?
“Also, top on the list of the
implications is the likelihood of sanctions from the UN Security Council
if Nigeria goes ahead to file application for the review of the
judgment.
“Right from the administration of
ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo , Nigeria had repeatedly assured the UN
that it will comply with the judgment. How do we now renege midway?
“A few weeks ago, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, had declared that Nigeria will
not renege on the agreement on the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to
Cameroon
Another source, however, added: “Some
government officials also see the issue from the prism of protection of
Nigeria ’s sovereignty. They claim that since Nigeria has the right to
seek a review of the judgment, it should exercise it.
Another source, who spoke in confidence,
said: “Already, Cameroon has been making enquiry in the last one week
on the position of President on the resolution of the Senate.
“As a matter of fact, the Cameroonian
Ambassador to Nigeria has had cause to approach relevant desks in the
country for a definite answer on the review of the judgment.
“But these functionaries have been pleading with the Ambassador to await an official decision from President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Findings indicated last night that the
President might meet with President of the Senate, David Mark, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and other
principal officers of the National Assembly after taking ‘final
decision’ on the Bakassi issue.
“I think there might be a
confidence-building session with some stakeholders after the presidency
has concluded the matter,” the source added.
SOURCE: 4 October 2012.
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