- Disagreement over the handing over of disputed oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon by Nigeria continues, despite efforts by both West African states to permanently resolve the matter.
Government of Mr Olusegun Obasanjo had obeyed ruling of International Court of Justice in The Hague on ownership of region on 10 October 2002 and entered into the Green Tree Agreement on modalities to implement judgment.
Nigerian House of Representatives yesterday summoned minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Federation, Michael Aondoakaa and his Foreign Affairs counterpart, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, to meet with it over the issue.
House is also said to have called on President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to forward a copy of Green Tree Agreement, the treaty-ceding region to Cameroon, to the National Assembly for further legislative action as required by law.
Last year, the Senate also expressed similar reservations about the treaty, saying former president Obasanjo did not forward a copy of the agreement to the National Assembly for ratification before signing it.
After signing Green Tree Agreement with Cameroonian President Paul Biya, Mr Obasanjo had begun ceding Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. The hand-over is expected to be completed by 15 August, this year.
Nigeria's house of parliament resolved to meet with ministers following a motion sponsored by Action Congress (AC) Leader in the House, Hon Femi Gbaja-biamila, and 80 other members of lower legislative chamber.
While moving motion titled "Implementation of the Green Tree Agreement and the ceding of Bakassi to the Republic of Cameroon," Mr Gbaja-biamila who is also minority whip of House noted that in its judgement, ICJ ceded Bakassi to Cameroon, consequent upon which the Federal Government entered into agreement with the Republic of Cameroon on modalities for implementation of judgement.
He expressed worry that executive arm of government had already begun implementation of the Agreement and relocation of Nigerians from Bakassi without ratification of treaty by National Assembly.
He noted that by virtue of Section 12 of 1999 Constitution and Order 16 (1) of Standing Orders of House, no bilateral or multilateral treaty or agreement can be effected or executed without approval of National Assembly and all such treaties are to be subjected to same procedure as every other bill and enacted into law.
AC leader therefore called on his colleagues to resolve that President suspend implementation of the Green Tree Agreement pending approval of National Assembly.
House minority leader Mohammed Ali Ndume while supporting the motion, said prayers of motion were long overdue and should be passed.
CID. Maduabum who represents Ekwusigo.Nnewi Federal Constituency of Anambra State, also argued that for treaty to be valid, it must have force of law, adding that since the National Assembly had not approved treaty, President Yar'Adua had no option but to forward it to parliament for consideration.
Citing section 12 (1) of constitution, Mr Maduabum explained that, "to pretend that constitution does not exist is something House should not condone at this time. We must market this treaty for it to be valid."
Parliamentarian Chile Igbawua from Benue state further observed that though implementation of jurisdiction of ICJ by Nigeria was not mandatory, the country had already committed itself by entering into the Green Tree Agreement, hence it is advisable to tread with caution on the issue.
Also supporting motion, another member Bassey Otu, said decision of World Court was an affront on Nigeria's social justice and constitution.
He lamented that indigenes of Nigeria in the area were suffering untold hardships and there was urgent need to address the knotty problem without delay.
AC caucus in House had last Tuesday warned against implementation of agreement in interest of territorial integrity of nation and rights of people of Bakassi region.
Mr Gbaja-biamila told media that caucus was prepared to go to court over the matter to test supremacy of constitution.
Nigerians in Bakassi area had already started moving with threats of armed confrontation between Cameroonian forces and armed groups of indigenous Bakassi rebels.
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