Bakassi Anniversary Essay: Of Blunders, Lies and Opportunism

The Bakassi Anniversary Essay reflects on Nigeria's loss of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon in 2008 following a World Court adjudication. The article highlights two key issues: Nigeria's loss of the case and the government's attitude towards the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Nigeria failed to enter a reservation declaration when Cameroon did in 1994, giving Cameroon a jurisdictional advantage. The essay criticizes the Nigerian government's negligence, ignorance, and lack of attention to detail in handling the matter.

It also points out the lack of transparency and honesty in the government's communication with the public about the Bakassi issue. The author calls for accountability and an honest acknowledgment of the mistakes made in the handling of the Bakassi dispute.