No hope of recovering Bakassi, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria will abide by the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Bakassi Peninsula.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Cameroon, Buhari said his administration will ensure the faithful implementation of the Green Tree Agreement, which regulates the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon.

The oil-rich territory, which was under Cross River state, was transferred to Cameroon on August 14, 2008.

“Since Nigeria allowed the case to go to court (ICJ), and we lost, we have to abide by it,” Femi Adesina, his spokesman, quoted him as saying in response to a question on the issue.

Buhari added that his administration had yet to articulate a foreign policy for Nigeria beyond what was captured in the manifesto of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He promised to make Nigerian embassies more efficient in terms of relations with other countries and urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to be law-abiding in their host countries.

According to Adesina, Buhari assured about 40,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon, who fled as a result of Boko Haram insurgency, that his administration will ensure their safe return and rehabilitation.

Buhari also assured Nigerians in that country that he would do everything possible towards bringing positive change to Nigeria.

“Despite the numerous challenges confronting us, the future of our country is bright. You all know very well that your fellow Nigerians are resilient, hardworking and patriotic.

“These qualities have always seen us through our most difficult national challenges and they will do so now. We are determined to end this callousness against our innocent citizens.

“The defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria and the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians and all those who live in the country are out top priorities. We shall explore all reasonable options to enable us to bring this rebellion to an end.”

Buhari is expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.