INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ) AND BAKASSI PENINSULA: INTERROGATING THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE RULING TO GEO-STRATEGIC, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC INTEREST OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examined International Court of Justice ruling on
Bakassi Peninsula with the aim of interrogating the implications to
geo-strategic, political and economic interest of Nigeria. The
October 10, 2002 verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
finally ceded Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon which the outcome
had a major setback on Nigeria's claim for ownership of the
peninsula. The paper adopted a qualitative method of research
which relied mostly on secondary sources to interrogate the
implications of the ruling to Nigeria and the political economy
approach is used as its framework of analysis. The paper reveals
that colonial imposed boundaries and treaties promoted conflict
and affected inter-state relations in Africa. The struggle for
ownership of Bakassi Peninsula by two nation states was as a
result of inordinate boundary delimitations orchestrated by two
imperialist nations (Britain and German) through Anglo-German
treaty without recourse to cultural heritage and non recognition of
existing value, traditional system and leadership. The earlier 1913
treaty which precipitated the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon was
done in the interest of the colonialist and it was unfortunate that the
judgment of International Court of Justice relied on it. It is
revealed that the outcome of the judgment would affect the
historical and ancestral legacy of Bakassi people, existing
political structure and level of governance. The paper recommends
that accompanying measures by Nigeria, Cameroon and the
international community, as well as other socio-economic and
political developments emanating from the entire dispute guarantee hope and future assurance, and strengthened the peace
building process. The Nigerian government should be conscious of
re-examining issues with regard to international boundaries with
other neighboring states, apply technicalities and guidance when
issues arises and not to quickly involve in signing treaties and
ratifications as it was done in the past. There should be mutual
understanding boosting the competitiveness and human capital
development for both states as they need each other to survive.