Ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon a Great Loss – Osinbajo

 ‘Dotun Akintomide With Kufre Akanimoore (Uyo)

Acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, has rued the ceding of oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, saying it is a big loss for Nigeria.

The Acting President made this comment at a town hall meeting in Calabar on Thursday when he visited.

Osinbajo said the federal government would do more for the people of Bakassi and that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to helping Nigerians in the place without leaving them to suffer.

His words: “The ceding of Bakassi as a result of the judgement of the ICJ is a development that we all consider a loss.”

“But President Buhari strongly believes that while we ruminate over the legal issues we must not allow Nigerian citizens in Ikang and elsewhere to suffer.

“The federal government will certainly do more and engage more with the displaced in Bakassi. This is our duty and our commitment.”

Osinbajo said President Buhari is interested in partnering with Cross River state to create opportunity for the people.

He said “Buhari renegotiated China-EXIM loan for the Lagos-Calabar rail line and the 2017 budget has provided for the Udokpani/Ikot Ekpene road.”

He applauded the state for setting the pace in tourism and hospitality and urged them not to relent in the pursuit of unity for the state and the country.

The Acting president was accompanied to the state by Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of Petroleum resources; Usani Ughuru, Minister of Niger Delta, and Winifred Oyo-Ita, the head of the Civil Service of the federation.

At the occasion, the federal government approved the construction of a 260km highway by the Cross Rivers State government.

The highway which will cut across at least 16 local government areas is perceived as one of the major projects of the State Governor, Ben Ayade.

Although environmental activists have kicked against the project with the argument that it would destroy several species of plant and displace indigenous residents in the area, the acting president who visited Calabar said the high way represents creativity and big vision.

Osinbajo during his visit said the construction of the highway is “very important” and that the federal government was interested in it.