The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Abuja Chapter, strongly condemns the Federal Government refusal to appeal the International Court of Justice (ICJ) controversial judgment of 10th October 2002, which ceded Bakassi to Cameroon.
NAS is saddened that despite the new facts on Bakassi available to the Federal Government and the wish of Nigerians that Government should appeal the judgment, the Federal Government dashed the hope of the citizenry on flimsy excuse of time factor and diplomacy. Today Bakassi is lost forever due to the negligence and insensitivity of our leaders who failed to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.
NAS urges the Federal Government to start the process of relocating, re-settling and rehabilitating the people of Bakassi to ensure they are not refugees in their own country.
Since security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of Government, we call on the Federal Government, States Government and Civil Society Groups to assist the traumatized people of Bakassi and save them from further inhuman treatment from the Cameroonian authorities. The Bakassi returnees in various refugee camps should be properly taken care of while awaiting resettlement and rehabilitation. This should be done immediately.
NAS urges the Federal Government and the United Nations to ensure strictly implementation of the Green Tree Accord between Nigeria and Cameroon on the Bakassi Peninsula. Any breach of the Accord by Cameroon, particularly the dastardly oppression of Nigerians living in Bakassi, is unacceptable and will be resisted. We should remain our brothers and sisters keeper.
Chief Ogbuehi Dike
President
NAS Abuja Chapter
07030521292
