…As Obong, NLC Chairman lead protest
By NDUBUISI ORJI, Lagos and JUDEX OKORO, Calabar
As protests continued to trail the failure of the Federal Government to appeal the International Court of Justice(ICJ) judgment that ceded Bakassi Penunsula to Cameroun, the Cross River State Government has said it was not true that there were no fresh grounds for appeal.
The state government in a press statement issued by the state Attorney-General, Mr Attah Ochinke said the state raised seven grounds of appeal which it made available to the Federal Government. The Federal Government had hinged its failure to appeal judgment on the non availability of new information on the issue.
The Attorney-General said that while Cross River State should not be seen as joining issues with the Federal Government, it was imperative for it to state its own side of the story for the sake of posterity. Besides, he said the interest of the state government in the area was the people and not oil.
“I regret to say that it is not true that new facts were not made available to the committee that would compel Nigeria to seek a review of the ICJ judgment…a lot of work was done on this and about seven grounds were raised upon which the government could have based a review,” he stated.
Ochinke added that since Bakassi was a Nigerian territory, it was incumbent on the Federal Government to look for new information that would warrant a review
He said the claim that a review would tarnish Nigeria’s image in international circles was unfortunate. According him, instances abound of countries that had sought a review of ICJ judgments.
Leading the various protests yesterday included the palace of Obong of Calabar, the State Chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress. While the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Okpo Okon Abasi, led the traditional institution, the chairman of NLC, Comrade Nyom Nyambi, led a solitary visit to the governor to pledge its unalloyed loyalty on the issue.
The leader of the protesters who stormed Governor’s office yesterday evening, chairman Etubom Traditional Rulers Council, Etubom Oko Bassey Duke,was unhappy with the role played by Federal Government on the Bakassi issue because their ancestors owned the land.
Duke said the people, while signing treaty with the British Colonialists had refused to handover the land to them and now, they have been pushed to the wall as they intended to take their case to the United Nations.
A one-time Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in the state, who was one of those that represented the state at ICJ, Mrs Nella Andem- Rabana, thanked Imoke and said the state put up a good fight despite some challenges and hoped the outcome would make the state more unified and purposeful.
Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Dr. Ekpo Bassey referred to the decision by the Federal Government not to seek a review of the case as “the burial of the truth, which will not die but come out stronger.”
The State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Nyom Nyambi said they undertook the protest to support the state government in its resolve to reclaim Bakassi.
He therefore called on the state government to confiscate property of those that collaborated to ensure Bakassi was ceded to Cameroon.
Responding, Governor Liyel Imoke, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Efiok Cobham, commended the leadership of the labour for the solidarity protest which according to him, would go a long way to strengthen the resolve of government on the issue.
Governor Liyel Imoke, while receiving indigenes of the area led by the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Okpo Okon Abasi during a peaceful protest at Governor’s Office, Calabar asserted that the issue has gone international because the talk is about human beings not water, fish or oil.
The governor emphasized that the right of the people of Bakassi is recognized and enshrined in the United Nations charter and the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria which means that they have the right to live peacefully, exist and own homes and there should be no confusion over the issue.
Imoke maintained that the occasion was a good opportunity for the people to remain peaceful and explore other channels to address the issue.
Imoke disclosed that the state intends to work with the Federal Government and United Nations because it cannot bear the burden of the challenges which border on humanitarian and security alone.
What are the fresh ground for appeal pls publish it for our records
Why bringing out those fresh facts when there was no much time on our side. God save Nigeria.
why protesting when the deadline has elapse.jonathan is a curse to nigeria.
may God help the people of bakasi
my mind was much disturbed than Bakassi people on the grouds that the people their land and properties that inherited from their ancestors will be ceded to another country. One can imagine that for almost ten years of the Judgement nothing have be done and it is now the last minute to the handing over that they are talking for the appealing of the case.
It is pity for this country as if we have Government.
my mind was much disturbed than Bakassi people on the grouds that the people their land and properties that inherited from their ancestors will be ceded to another country. One can imagine that for almost ten years of the Judgement nothing have be done and it is now the last minute to the handing over that they are talking for the appealing of the case.
It is pity for this country as if we don’t even have Government.
I thought what was conceded to Cameroun is only the land or is Nigeria forsaking her people too?
Bakassi people – this would not have happened to you if you had joined forces with Biafra. Anyway, an after thought!
It’s like crying while the head is off. These fresh facts should have been laid bare for all to see before the deadline.
For a start, the people of Bakassi should take over the vast land stolen by Obasanjo to set up his farm in the state to enable the settlement of some of the worst hit and displaced persons. Then Donald Dupe should be next on line. Between these two and others, Bakassi was sold for personal gains
There is an Igbo proverb that says: choo ewu ojii mgbe chi ka di; in other words; look for a black goat while it is still day. This Bakassi issue came quite late. Where were they since 2002 when the so called ICJ gave the verdict.
Bakassi bye bye forever.
It’s most unfortunate that you were all beating about the bush, shouting and protesting unfruitfully after when you must have finished sleeping.
Does it mean that since 10years Nigeria was unable to bring fresh facts and evidence to appeal four a review of ICJ judgment, infact I’m disappointed. I regret being a Nigerian
May the lord almight save us from the hand of evil ones called our leaders.If you look into all problems that have been going on in this country of our were caused by our so called leaders.before Goodlock became the president of this country,we were all happy,thinking that he was going to be different if he becomes the president,but unfortunately,we were proved wroung that he is a course to our great nation.our leaders have feld us and we dont have any other thing to do than to cry to our creator to deliver us from the hand of these evil men.Is it a crime to bn a Nigerian? want some one answer me this question.People of Bakassi ,you should take heart because all hope is not gone,still hope in God almight and see what he can do.
The timing of all these things has been my problem!
Even if these grounds were not canvassed during Obasajo’s time for fear not making any headway due to his being more interested in ceding the land and its people than claim it for Nigeria, Yar’adua came na dthese grounds still remained buried! Why?
Now Jonathan has been there for about two years and it took only the last two weeks (or so) for all the facts and grounds to surface??? What magic did the sudden sources of this new information expect, a magic or miracle at a court whose team assembling (both local and international), filing and prosecution of the case demands months (if not years) of preparations?
In summary, if it that this was a calculated attempt to paint President Jonathan in bad light, why were all these things (facts and grounds) not brought to the fore much earlier and National Assembly being patroitic earlier than we all saw here???!
Nigeria, Nigeria, Nigeria, hmmmmmm how many time did I call you. one day, one day be one day
Cross river u must cry out loudly and i don’t know why other state are not sayin any thing about it, nigeria has denied u as a member of state in the country. U should be careful how u cry out ur protest because very soon they will deploy soldier to wipe out ur generation in the name of bringing peace.i believe on country biafra, be careful
If I were these guys, I wud happily join Cameroun. what’s the big deal remaining in Nigeria? imagine! If Nigerian hawks should come into Bakassi to tap that oil, their life and environment will remain eternally bad. Please join cameroun and rest. We love u but Cameroun will love u better. We are looking for another country to join. I wish I had this opportunity.
AWOLOWO CUM GOWON SOLD BAKASSI TO CAMEROUN LONG AGO JUST TO PUNISH THE BIAFRANS. THIS IS DONE SO THAT THE STARVATION POLICY WHICH AWOLOWO SOLD TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF GOWON WILL HOLD ITS WAY. DON’T BE SURPRISE TO HEAR FROM THE CAMEROUNIANS AUTHOURITY THAT THEY HAVE A WRITTEN DOCUMENT WRITTEN AND SIGNED BY THE THEN MILITARY HEAD OF STATE, GOWON ATTESTING THE CEDING OF BAKASSI TO CAMEROUN IN RETURN FOR MONEY OR OTHER ADVANTAGE WHICH PENULTIMATE IS IN LINE WITH AWOLOWO’S POLICY TO DESTROY THE BIAFRANS THROUGH FOOD AND HEALTH BLOCKED FROM THE ENTRY POINT OF BAKASSI PENINSULA.
WELL, THE LEAST IS YET TO BE HEARD.
THE WAR CRIMINALS SHALL ONE DAY FACE JUSTICE.
IN BIAFRA, I STAND!
Uyome, somethin is really worrying you. What does Awolowo or Biafra have to do wit Bakassi? Find another pastime, Ojukwu’s brother.
YOU HAVE SAID NOTHING IN THIS WRITE-UP. EVERYONE READING THIS ARTICLE WOULD BE EAGER TO KNOW THE 7 NEW GROUNDS THAT YOU HAVE WHICH EXISTED DURING THE TIME OF RULING, BUT WERE NOT KNOWN THEN. STOP PUBLISHING SENSATIONAL ARTICLES. HOWEVER, NOTE THAT OBJ’S MEN, THE EGBA HIGH CHIEF HAD MADE THEIR BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OUT OF THE CASE. CHIEF AKINJADE (SAN) KNEW ABINITIO THAT BOTH GERMANY, USA, BRITAIN AND THE ALMIGHTY FRANCE THAT CHAIRED THE ICJ WERE ALL AGAINST NIGERIA, YET, THEY WENT KNOWING FULLY WELL THE OUTCOME IS ALREADY DETERMINED. THEY EQUALLY KNEW THAT NOTHING HAPPENS TO ANY COUNTRY WHO REFUSES TO SHOW UP AT THE ICJ, YET THEIR QUEST FOR MONEY MADE THEM TO GO AND SELL BAKASSI TO CAMEROON. ANYWAY, THEY HAVE LINED UP THEIR POCKETS AND BEGUN THEIR UNIVERSITIES, LIKE AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ETC
There is no goverment in Cross River what we have their is a tax collector who does not feel the pain of the people . how can God have mercy when the PDP goverment is busy emting the town with wicked policies that makes once a bubbling city a ghost of its safe ,Imoke is a bad news to Cross River,up till now nobody knows the governors stand on bakasi a Man should have a clear stand on isues that concern his people and be ready to die for his people if need be , Cross River needs a leader not a politician .nigeria is a big prison .
kokorokoooo,the people of Bakassi,then it was Gowan(Aboki}and Awolowo just to punish the people of Biafra fighting for freedom ,now it is Obj and Atiku.may be to punish the MENDS,which by state includes Cross river state.soonest———-,DIM,you are a great man,May your soul rest in peace.
@Ay you will call him Ojukwu’s brother because he is saying the truth. If you ay, like u believe it, evil shall slay the wicked. The evil that men do lives after them. You people allow yourself to be decieved by Gowon and Awolowo thinking that you are working against Biafran’s, now the reverse is the case. You must reap what you sow.
The business was done against freedom fighters. Thank God some are alife to tell the story.
If bakassi were 2b in d north Fg wld ve gone xtra mile 2 reclaim it.
This is very unfortunate, I feel for the people. Let us create a state for them to prevent another Palestinian scenario. A word is enough for the wise!
Hahaha ka nweke gachara soja [soldier] gini meziri na ikpe azu . After set and dawn what happened the evil that men do live after them
Awolowo,Gowon,OBJ,wil surely pay for it,weather in life or in dead they will tell GOD why they carry out this dubeous and unforgetable act.
The anti socio-glocery that men perpetrate will always exist before and after their demise.
good morning bakassi pples ,that is what ojukwu tell saro-wiwa.when he was calling all of u to join him in the struggle .u pples refused now see what is happing to u pples,any way i feel for bakassi .
I always say that Gowon is deceiving and mocking himself thinking he is a true child of God. If he has genuinely repented as he claims, what’s holding him from saying the truth and nothing but the whole truth about Bakassi land? One day the truth must surely come out but let Gowon be reminded that no liar shall inherit the kingdom of God because it will make no meaning for him after spending all the time on TV and Radio making noise about praying for Nigeria on the last day he won’t be seen in Heaven. He has enough time to amend his ways and speak the truth on what he did with Bakassi land during the Nigeria/Biafra civil war.
I sit down dey look oo
Why are the protesting over Bakassi?
Was the Judgement and handing over done yesterday.
Thank God we lost Bakassi, what have we benefited from great oil wealth from other ares in Nigeria?
Today, we pay above the real price for fuel.
One bush man will wake up and say we are subsidizing fuel
If they are sincere, they should tell us how much it takes to:
Extract, refine and distribute a liter of fuel, you will discover that they are milking Nigerian dry.
God has already bless us
@wilfred,you jut spoke my mind.Awolowo is dead,Obasanjo,Donald dupe,must be made to forfeit those properties which they stole from the state and also seized by force at d detriment of the real owners without compensation.Governor must wake up.
i pity Bakassi people,where were the7 fresh facts all these10 yrs? were the people of CRS also sleeping with the FG? why do Nigerians used to fire brand way of doing things even when they have enough time?Go and take OBJ farm and build new Bakassi and stop crying over spill milk.
The ICJ might be God sent to the people of Bakassi to move them out of Egypt to the promise land.
I don’t think that it is late,yes the appeal could be,but the people of bakassi should apply directly to the un defining were the choose to be their country,I think there could be a way in that direction.
Even though the present effort to regain back Bakassi is almost late i will encourage u to try harder,the success may be ur at the end of the tunnel.Ken Ekpoudia
the problem is jonathan as a man is very weak that is why i love a real igbo man
Es3, u have said it all. U r a patriot.
Cross rivers state government is trying to black mail our president. Our president did d best thing he can do under d circumstance….. Where are all these grounds all these times.?
To ay,the evil actors to bakasi are awo,gowon obj,atiku,akinade,donald duke,one senator giwa,and yara GOD and hitory will neva forgive till eternity.
Wether 7 grounds or not, at least for humanitarian grounds which gives rigth to life, freedom, as enshrine in the internation law, which cameron and her counterpart are very much aware of. Their only interest in the subject is the oil discovered, which cant be quarntify with one human life talkless. Nigerians most wakeup and condemn in strong terms this babaric internatíonal cospiracy scheme to re enslave the bakasi people in their own country and father land by dashing them out to cameron who are already killing and maiming our people uncode, because of the silly mistake of one selfish man. Posterity will never forgive such a person, infact he should be charged for conspiring with other countries to sell the Nigeria people.