afrol News, 12 August - Nigeria is finally handing over disputed Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon on 14 August, putting an end of disagreement that brought two countries to an edge of war.

International court of Justice gave Bakassi to Cameroon in a 1913 agreement between colonial powers Britain and Germany.

Both countries are expected to beef up security at flag exchanging ceremony in Bakassi, as there has been a series of threats of attacks by armed groups who oppose the transfer.

Despite security concerns on the oil rich peninsular and court order to delay the handover, Nigerian president Umaru Yar'Adua has insisted it will follow through on its international commitments to hand over the land.

Over 50 people were killed in border fighting last year. Unknown Nigerian group launched two attacks on Cameroonian soldiers in Bakassi last month and has promised to stage more attacks in the region.

“We want to use this handover occasion to celebrate goodness of our people, the capacity of our government to honour commitments from government to government and also to celebrate friendship between two countries,” Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister Ojo Madueke was quoted in media reports last week.

Bakassi peninsular, with its proximity to Niger Delta, heart of Nigeria's oil production, industry experts believe could hold significant amounts of oil deposits that would help boost Cameroon's declining production of around 90,000 barrels per day.

Nigerian government agreed to transfer Bakassi two years ago in line with a 2002 World Court order, but sporadic gun battles, political disputes and legal battle have delayed it. Both countries are expected to send their top officials on Thursday, to mark handover.

Niger Delta Defence and Security Council spokesperson, Commander Ebi Dari said Nigerian government can go ahead with handover of Bakassi, but said this would not change their agenda of increasing attacks on the region.

Around 90 percent of population in Bakassi is made up of Nigerian fishermen and their families.

“I believe that if we really have a country and a government that respects the rule of law, Mr Yar’Adua should respect the high court order, if they have any misgiving about it, then they should go on and appeal,” said Kayonde Fasitere, an attorney representing the Bakassi community.

Both countries expressed commitment to ensure an earlier agreement on the handover process is strictly implemented, with President Yar'Adua urging his Cameroonian counterpart to take a leading role in the establishment of structures that will safeguard the people and resources of the Gulf of Guinea.

Nigeria and Cameroon were on brink of war over peninsula in 1981.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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