President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday assured his Cameroonian counterpart, Paul Biya and his people to put their mind at rest on the allegation that Nigeria was still accessing hydrocarbon from the oil rich Bakassi Penunsula despite the judgment of the International Court of Justice, (ICJ) that ceded the region to the Central African nation.
Buhari gave the assurance at a joint press briefing which followed the signing of bilateral agreements between the two countries.
According to him, a committee has been set up with members from both countries to deliberate on the matter.
While the report of the committee was being awaited, President Buhari said Cameroun needed not to worry as Nigeria would not go contrary to the ICJ decision.
He said: “On this issue, I will like the government and people of Cameroun to keep their minds at peace. Nigeria, we are an internationally respectful and abiding nation. Somehow there was a crisis between the two nations on Bakassi Penisula over the hydrocarbon exploitation. This issue is being dealt with by the International Court of Justice.
“The technical part of the extent of international interest forms the second part of your question. On maritime resources, there is a committee of experts comprising Cameroun and Nigeria sides. I cannot fully answer that question until after the report of this committee gets to us and when they submit the report, I expect that with a few of us that are still around, we shall sit together and see what is the best way for the two countries. So, feel secured and be at peace.”
Reacting to a question on why Cameroun was allegedly harbouring suspected terrorists who ran to the country for safety, Biya denied the allegation and said it was unfounded.
According to him, Cameroun was committed to ending insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin.
He said: “Yes I have had of this information. I heard it in New York during conferences that Cameroon serves as basis for Boko Haram but what can Cameroun benefit from that? Is it the ideologies? Are we going to benefit from finances? No. It was just bad press. Cameroon remains focused and committed to the fight against Boko Haram.
