Posted by From IKE NNAMDI, Washington DC on
Nigeria faces the threat of international sanctions if she reneges to hand over the disputed Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun, The United Nations has warned.
Nigeria faces the threat of international sanctions if she reneges to hand over the disputed Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun, The United Nations has warned.
The UN said Nigeria was bound by the decision of the International Court of Justice which awarded the oil rich territory to Cameroun.
Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Michelles Montas said the world body had summoned Nigeria to a "crucial meting" in New York next wee to brief officials on the full implication of Nigeria's Senate's decision not to recognize the transfer signed by former president Olusegun Obasanjo.
Sources said the UN got involved in the matter following a report to the Secretary General, Ban Kin Moon by the government of Cameroun.
Michelle said while the UN office for West Africa was primarily responsible for overseeing and implementing the decisions of the world court on Bakassi, Mr. Moon was keeping a close watch on developments to prevent a break-out of hostilities between both countries over the area.
The spokesperson said president Obasanjo had told the world body that he met all the constitutional requirements before signing the documents that gave the area to Cameroun.
She warned Abuja to ensure it did not fall foul of international law.
The Nigerian delegation to the meeting will be led by former Attorney-General, Bola Ajibola and it will be chaired by a special representative of Mr. Moon, Amadou Ali.
Meanwhile, an American based organization, the All Nigerian Congress has expressed support for the UN mediation in the issue.
The associations Information and Public Affairs Chairman, Dr. Dan Austin said, however, the Senate was justified in voiding the action of president Obasanjo.
"We welcome the UN summons to Nigerian and Cameroon in the wake of the pronouncement of the unconstitutionality of the Green Tree with regards to ceding away the Bakassi Peninsula," he said.
The group stated that the decision to give away any part of the country's territory remains the responsibility of the Senate. "The issue remains a matter with the Nigerian National Assembly, as Bakassi is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution as a local government." he said.