Obudu Mountain Resort Is Still In Cross River State – Imoke
CALABAR, August 01, (THEWILL) – Obudu Mountain Resort is still in Cross River State, Governor Imoke has affirmed.
A statement from the Governor Liyel Imoke’s Chief Press Secretary/S.A Media, Mr. Patrick Ugbe has debunked talks that the Republic of Cameroun is set to take over the resort as part of the International Court of Justice 2002 ruling on the boundary adjustment between Cameroun and Nigeria along the Bakassi border area.
The statement reads, "Our attention has been drawn to very unfortunate rumours currently circulating to the effect that the Republic of Cameroun is about to take over the Obudu Mountain Resort owned by the Government and people of Cross River State.
"This rumours are not only malicious but a well articulated attempt from yet to be ascertained quarters to undermine the tourism initiatives of the State Government, incite the passions of the indigenes of the State including the host Community of the Obudu Mountain Resort, and generally cause disaffection and instability in the State.
"The relevant sector of the Nigeria-Cameroon International boundary has been well defined by the Anglo-German Agreement of 1913 and other legal instruments, which were upheld by the judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of 10th October, 2002. Following the judgment, the sector was traced and physically confirmed by the Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Technical Team (JTT), which comprises of technical experts from Nigeria and Cameroon as well as the United Nations in November/December last year.
"Nigeria-Cameroon boundary in the vicinity of the Obudu Cattle Ranch was clearly defined and falls within Anglo-German Pillars 100 and 101. The description of the sector, as contained in article 18 of the referred Agreement, states as follows:
"From Pillar 100, the boundary follows the thalweg of the Amiri River upstream as far as the source of its western head-water, crosses the watershed, and then follows the thalweg of the Magbe River, passing the Pillar 101 where the Aliketti (German Aligetti)-Okwa road crosses this river, to Pillar 102 at the junction of the River Magbe with the River Oyi (German Oji) [Mapu]".
"The delineation of the boundary line on satellite images map covering the whole boundary length made by the JTT using the Agreement does not put the Obudu Cattle Ranch or any of its part in the Republic of Cameroon. Also, during the field tracing, the Ranch was found to be entirely in Nigeria territory. We submit further that though the Obudu mountain range stretches from Nigeria into Cameroon, the portion of this range in Nigeria is what constitutes the Obudu Cattle Ranch.
"The Obudu Mountain Resort is one of the Prime tourism and hospitality assets owned by the Government of Cross River State. From 2004 - 2007, the government upgraded facilities at the Resort, including the construction of an International conference Centre, as one of strategic initiatives to mainstream it in the global tourism circuit.
"In 2008, the government placed the Resort under the management of African Sun. This was intended to reposition the Resort for excellent services.
"It should be noted that Cross River State is still reeling in all ramifications from the ceding of Bakassi to the Republic of Cameroun. The government and people of the State frown seriously at this rumour, and call on those behind it to desist from such unwholesome acts.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the government and people of the State stand ready to resist with all its might any attempt to cede any of its territory to any country or State in Nigeria. We call on all indigenes of the State to stay calm and view the rumours with misgivings as the handiwork of mischief makers," the statement said.