14 November 2009
Lagos — Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has raised alarm over the poor security situation created in the waterways between Nigeria and Republic of Cameroon, following the declaration of the area as a buffer zone.
While receiving Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, during a courtesy call, Imoke remarked that the creation of a buffer zone within the area following the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon as well as 76 oil wells from Cross River to Akwa Ibom State has heighted piracy and militancy culminating in the formation of Bakassi Freedom Fighters, which claimed to have fought for the interests of Nigerians against the activities of Cameroonian gendarmes.
Imoke disclosed that he had earlier made this known to the National Security Officer (NSO) to the President, adding that the ceding of the area to Cameroon has made policing of the waterway necessary while calling for a joint military patrol by the two countries to ensure peace and security.
The governor who said though Nigeria is a law abiding nation and adheres strictly to the Green Tree Agreement, blamed it for not making adequate arrangement on security after the Bakassi issue had been accepted by Nigeria, saying that it is not only a political issue but also a security issue based on the fact that the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command is in Cross River State.
On the issue that Cross River State is not a littoral State but a land locked State as stated by National Boundary Commission, Imoke blamed the admission for compromising the security of the nation and wondered if ships go through Cameroon before berthing at Calabar Port, stressing that the decision has created an imaginary line to the disadvantage of Nigeria and called on the Navy to make a presentation on the matter to the President.
He averred that the issue has gone beyond the issue of Oil Wells and if not properly managed might lead to conflict because the loss has created challenges to the State and that the Chief of Naval Staff should use his position to address the issue while appealing that the Eastern Naval headquarters in Calabar be allowed to resume its functions, authority and position in the Nigerian Navy as well as in Nigerian territorial waters.
Imoke pledged the state's commitment to the success of naval operations as well as its intention to partner the navy complete its 30 years old abandoned hospital project in Calabar, explaining that the interest is borne out of its attention on healthcare delivery service.
He commended the navy for being active participants in Carnival Calabar and called for more navy infrastructure not only in the sea but on land and air as the State will support in building an helipad in support of the expansion exercise because the growth of its economy, youths, history and security can not be mentioned without the contribution of the navy.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, who described his visit as home coming, said he was in the Cross River State to appraise the post amnesty exercise as it was time for militants to sheath their swords and contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.
Ibrahim appreciated the State for involving the navy in its security programme to ensure peace as well as the support which the navy has received from the State and requested for a piece of land to enable it build a post service settlement as in Abuja and Lagos, explaining that Calabar ranks top among navy formations in the country.
The Chief of Naval Staff noted that the navy plays an active role in the State's tourism programme especially during the Christmas festival as it does not only provide peace and security but comfort, adding that four of Nigeria's FIFA U-17 World Cup team are from YSFON Nigeria Navy Football Academy, Calabar.
He commended the State for the cordial relationship which the navy enjoys with the people and pledged that it will continue to play its constitutional role in the area.
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