The Bakassi Story

By Nowa Omoigui

1. When the Obong of Calabar signed a "Treaty of Protection" with Britain on September 10, 1884 Britain agreed to "extend its protection" to the Obong and his Chiefs. The Obong agreed and promised to refrain from entering into any agreements or treaties with foreign nations or Powers without the prior approval of the British Government. That is, he signed away his Kingdom as a British protectorate. This type of subterfuge was carried out with many of our ancestors. All of this was before "Nigeria" was created. Note too that unlike agreements between metropolitan powers these so called protectorate agreements with African Kingdoms did not have precise definitions of boundaries. On November 15, 1893, Britain and Germany defined their boundaries in Africa, supplemented by another agreement on March 19, 1906. These covered British and German Territories from Yola to Lake Chad.

2. In 1900, 1903 and 1906, key declarations made - and militarily enforced - which created the colonies of 'Northern Nigeria' and 'Southern Nigeria' (inclusive of the Colony of Lagos). The Obong of Calabar was neither consulted nor did he resist. This was all conducted between metropolitan powers and they understood what they were doing. "Protectorates" became "Colonies". Note the difference.

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Comments

[Dr. Christopher Atang]

Congratulations to Omoigui.com.
The Bakassi Story is well written. After reading, readers will realize the political closeness of the Southern Cameroons to the Republic of Nigeria as opposed to that of La Republique du Cameroun.
Many Nigerians are unaware of the fact that the people of the Southern Cameroons have been deprived of their legitimate independence, marginalized, brutalized, etc. since joining the French Cameroons 43 years ago.
Concrete steps are being taken to reassert and restore its lost independence. Nigerians in general and the people of Calabar in particular are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the struggle, and the plight of their Southern Cameroons brothers and sisters, and assist them achieve this objective possibly without bloodshed.
Dr. Atang

[Chris Anyamene]

The bakassi issue is a sound reminder of the selfishness and unseriousness to our welfare of our leaders. It shows how untruthful some of them can be.The story by Omigui has helped us to see the other side of the story.Why did we go to the court at Hague? How many countries have had their boundary disputes resolved at the Hague? Were we politically ready for any decision from the Hague? God please, we have suffered enough, give us dedicated leaders,Amen.

[FRANCIS ETOUNDE]

SOUTHERN CAMEROON,COLONIAL TALKS,THERE IS NORTH WEST AND SOUTH WEST,WESTERN AND EASTERN,NORTH AND EXTREME NORTH ETC NOT SOUTHERN CAMEROON,OR MAY BE YOU ARE THINKING NORTH WEST AND SOUTH WEST TOGETHER....NO,NO,NO,NO...NORTH IF YOU WANT TO JOIN NIGERIA YOU ARE WELL COME TO LEAVE.SOUTH WEST PROVINCE IS AND WILL BE PART OF CAMEROON PER CULTURE,TRIBAL LANGUAGE,ANTHROPOLOY,SOCIOLOGY ETC.AND I MEAN CAMEROON PROPER.NW IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE ADIEUS,DO NOT COMBINE SW IN YOU GREED,REBELLIOUS AND BACKWARD THINKING,YES WE SPEAK ENGLISH JUST AS YOU,IT IS COLONIAL AND COLONIALISM DOES NOT DEFINE ME ANYMORE.

[Idris Abdulkarim]

Anyone could easily notice that Francis Etounde, or whatever he is, is obviously not a Nigerian. Worst still, he is ignorant of Litterary and other ethics, and can't even express himself well. While I congratulate and commend Omoigui, I also advise that this site should contain matterials that will tutor people like Mr Francis (?) on issues raised above. Thank you. Sgt Idris Abdulkarim, Nigerian Army

[Tagang Ebogo Titus]

Thanks Sgt Abdulkarim for helping Mr Etounde sit up.I undestand his frustration.The name Etounde is certainly of La Republique du Cameroun (LRC). He cannot imagin LRC without the Southern Cameroons attached to it.It is true that Nigeria is the true brothers of the Southern Cameroons culturally, historically, linguistically and otherwise. the course of the People of the Southern Cameroons is true, genuine and divine, we will surely succeed. I dove my hat to Omoigui for documents like this, it is very rich and enlightening.

[ADETOKUNBO ODUSHOLA]

I came across your website by accident, howeverit really makes interesting reading
as your articles are well researched, i do hope you will do an aticle on the fall of the 2nd republic,GOD BLESS YOU AND OUR BELOVED NIGERIA