Cross River State, Deputy Governor Rt Hon. Peter Odey, has finally opened up to the National Boundary Commission (NBC) that the state is still “feeling a sense of injustice” over the ceding of her land to Cameroon and to a neighbouring state.
He made his feeling known after he declared open a one-day interactive session on United Nations Confidence Building Measures Along Nigeria-Cameroun International Boundary.
The NBC in conjunction with the State Boundary Committee (SBC) organized the session on Thursday in Calabar.
The theme of the meeting was “Confidence Building and Inclusive Participation of Rural Communities Along Nigeria-Cameroon Boundary for Sustainable Development.”
Hon. Odey, the Chairman of State Boundary Committee called on NBC and other agencies to urgently do something about injustices.
During the meeting, Hajiya Adiza Abba, represented the Director-General of the NBC whom Odey welcomed with great pleasure.
In addition, he told Abba and entourage that he strongly believe the visit was in furtherance of full implementation of national boundary resolutions.
In his words: “I strongly believe that this visit is in furtherance of the continuous and measured conclusion of the full implementation of the boundary resolutions in the Nigeria and Cameroun International Boundary.”
Although, “the composition of the Cross River State delegation headed by me.” But Comprises of the members of the State Boundary Committee and all other relevant stakeholders.
He said, they are instrumental to achieving the goal of this engagement.
Therefore, “your determination towards actualizing the Needs Assessment of the border communities along the International Boundary is worth commending.”
Hon. Odey appreciated critical consideration to review the needs of these border communities because times have changed since last review.
The deputy Governor observed prolonged delay in border policies eroded confidence of communities in the activities of the United Nations.
He highlighted challenges affecting implementation of International Boundary judgment to include lack of effective and transparent execution of such exercises.
Nevertheless, “it remained one of the main challenges in gaining the confidence of the people.”
In addition, he noted that the peculiar case in Bakassi has sent shock waves to other parts of the state.
Accordingly , it has depleted the confidence in the implementation of government’s intervention programmes.”
As a result, “we still feel a sense of injustice done to us by the ceding of Bakassi,” he revealed.
That they are feeling a sense of clear injustice by decisions that might have been taken in the past.
“Very crucial parts of our land have been ceded to our neighboring state, thereby costing us the status of an oil producing state.”
Truth Live News reports that these and many more are the demands of the Cross Riverians.
For example, they believed National Boundary Commission and other Agencies will look into them with a view to create succour.
On the other hand, they believed that they need to urgently take certain measures in order for them to have confidence in the NBC.
Moreover, the measures intended to focus on Energy, Trade, Health, Education and LIvelihood.
“The measures should be designed to reflect the peculiarities of border communities, diverse in lifestyle, vegetation and terrain characteristics,” they demanded.
They promised to give support as relevant stakeholders, towards effective implementation of the measures.
Consequently, “We shall render all appropriate support towards the effective implementation of the Needs Assessment.”
Also, they observed that the needs of their communities come with the opportunities for them to impact change.
“This line of thought is what has propelled us to commit towards the goal of this exercise,” they added.
“We pray and hope that we can through this medium improve the lives of our border communities.”
The Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar reports that Member Representing Calabar Municipality in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Stanley Nsemoh, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ededem Ani, attended the meeting.
Others included the Surveyor-General of the state, Surv. Patrick E. Bassey, and the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Etinyin (Dr) Etim Okon Edet.