Bakassi Resettlement: Reps To Investigate Neglect Allegations

The Nigerian House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Special Duties to investigate the alleged omission of some persons in the resettlement of displaced people of the disputed Bakassi Peninsula.

The resolution was reached after a debate on the motion presented to review the report of the presidential committee on the resettlement of displaced people.

Most lawmakers supported the position presented, agreeing that it will not be right to implement the report and leave out the aboriginal inhabitants of the peninsula.

The issue came up as a matter of urgent national importance, with the House stressing the need to review the report of the Presidential Committee on the Resettlement of Displaced People from Bakassi Peninsula.

The report is due to be implemented in the 2014 budget.

A member of the House representing Akwa Ibom, Robinson Uwak, asked that the Minister of Justice be urged to take legal action against the Republic of Cameroon for breaches of African Human Right laws relating to the unfair treatment of some Nigerians living in Bakassi.

Another member, Hon Kamal Akinlabi called on the House to start the domestication of Bakassi treaty.

“Unless this is done it will be a motion without movement,” he said.

The Committee on Special Duties is to submit its findings to the house within four weeks.