Presidential Research & Communications Unit

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has restated Nigeria’s commitment to a successful conclusion of the August 14 handover of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon and called on President Paul Biya to join Nigeria to take a leading role in the establishment of structures that will safeguard the people and resources of the Gulf of Guinea.

President Yar’Adua was speaking to Mr. Henri Eyebe Ayissi, Cameroonian Minister of External Relations, who brought a Special Message from President Paul Biya to State House, Monday July 28.

“As major stakeholders in the area, we have a joint responsibility to ensure that we take a leading role in the establishment of structures and a force to safeguard our people and resources towards a collective security of the Gulf of Guinea”, he stated.

President Yar’Adua told the Special Envoy that, “I am pleased that Nigeria and Cameroon are committed to the Green Tree Agreement, and see it as a watershed to deeper economic, social, military relations”, adding that, “we must work closely together at the Mixed Commission on agreements that need to be signed and implemented in the aftermath of the August 14 handover”.

The President directed that extensive and comprehensive discussions should be held with Cameroonian officials to ensure success of the handing-over.

Earlier, Mr. Ayissi had conveyed President Paul Biya’s appreciation for President Yar’Adua personal involvement in the handing-over and his assurances, and expressed Cameroon’s determination to ensure that all Nigerians who choose to stay in Bakassi after August 14 will “enjoy usual hospitality”, while those who chose to leave will receive appropriate assistance.

He also stated his country’s desire for Nigeria and Cameroon to “work hand-in-hand to build confidence and reinforce common security at bilateral and multilateral levels in the Gulf of Guinea”.