Presidential Research & Communications Unit

Nigeria has formally handed over the Bakassi Peninsular to the Republic of Cameroon at a solemn ceremony held on August 14, in Calabar, Cross River state of Nigeria.

This is in conformity with the Judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague’s ruling of October 10, 2002 and the provisions of the Green Tree Agreement of June 12, 2006 signed between Former Nigeria’s President Ousegun Obasanjo and President Paul Biya of Cameroon at Green Tree, New York. The United Nations, United Kingdom, United States of America, France and Germany witnessed the signing of the agreement.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr. Michael Aondoankaa signed the instruments that formally handed over the territory on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and his Cameroonian counterpart signed on behalf of his country.

In his address Mr. Aondoankaa noted that Nigeria has a responsibility to keep her commitment to the international community, and to promote international peace and African brotherhood. He said it is also an attestation of the total commitment of President Yar’Adua to the rule of law.

He noted that the consideration of attendant benefits of peace and good neighborliness outwits painful looses of ancestral home and others too numerous to mention. He however pledges the commitment of the federal government to the welfare of all affected citizens.

Earlier, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, in his address read by the UN Special Representative in West Africa, Said Djinnit, noted that the days’ event marked another milestone in mutual cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon. He acknowledged the event as a promising example, which would serve as a model in many places in Africa and a progress in the name of international law and peaceful coexistence.

The representative of Cameroonian government, Mauris Kamte in his address noted that the days’ event is a celebration of newfound peace between Nigeria and Cameroon. He said that the two countries have long standing geographical and historic ties with the people living harmoniously through intermarriages and in an atmosphere of calm and serenity.

Present to witness the formal handing over ceremony were the representatives of the United Kingdom, United State of America, France and Germany. Also present are senior government officials of Nigeria and Cameroon, members of the follow up committee and the mixed commission among others.

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