Imoke told the 12th Brainstorming Session of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, that in spite of the ruling on Bakassi, both countries should work toward mutual resolution of the disputed areas.
The theme of the session was “The Bakassi Peninsula: Ten Years of ICJ Ruling and the Resultant Problems”.
“If the Green Tree Agreement has not produced the intended outcome, both countries and the UN should begin discussion aimed at the review of the judgment.
“Whatever the ICJ judgment say, the two countries can by agreement resolve the matter on ground,’’ he said.
Represented by Mr Mike Aniah, Secretary to the Cross Rivers Government, said agreement between them would supercede the ICJ judgment.
Imoke, enjoined the UN to bring the two states to a roundtable for a mutual settlement.
The governor advised the two countries to take advantage of the ICJ provision of application for review of judgments.
“We have to face the reality: the ICJ and Green Tree Agreement have not worked.
“We either review these documents by engaging all the parties, through stipulated processes, or wait and allow the situation to play out with unintended consequences,’’ he said.
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a former External Affairs Minister, warned against use of force in reclaiming Bakassi from Cameroon.
Akinyemi urged the FG to take urgent steps to engage the Bakassi Self-Determination Front in a dialogue, and dissuade its members from embarking on a confrontation with Cameroon.
“At all costs, we cannot afford for Bakassi Peninsula to become a “Kasmir” between Nigeria and Cameroun,’’ he said.
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