By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
A Lecturer of International Law at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK),
Dr Philip Umaru- Ajeh, has urged Nigerian foreign policy to take another look on the Bakkassi Peninsula judgement in the interest of the sovereignty of the country.
Umaru- Ajeh made the call during the official launching of his book titled “ Rudiments of International Law” in Keffi yesterday.
He said that the national interest of Nigeria was in jeopardly in the judgement, adding that Bakkasi is a local government in the country that cannot be ceded out without any tangible resistance.
According to him, Chapter nine of this book is a case study of the effectiveness of International Law and how it can be enforced.
“ This chapter is indeed the icing on the cake as far as this book is concern because it assesses the International Court of Justice’s judgement on the dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria over sovereignty on the Bakkassi Peninsula.
“ It is very interesting revelation about the weakness and plight of Nigeria as far as International law is concerned.
“ I hope those in charge of Nigeria Foreign policy may take another look on that judgement again.
“ Although there is no provision in the ICJ statute for appeal, the matter can be taken up with the General Assembly of the United Nations again as the national interest of Nigeria was in jeopardy in that judgement.
“ Since Bakassi is a Local Government Area in this country that cannot be ceded out without any tangible resistance.
“ All avenues in settling International disputes were not exhausted before the judgement was passed as explained in the book,” he said.
Umaru- Ajeh said that the book was made up of nine chapters including references and appendices while disclosing that this was his third academic book being lauched today.
“ My fourth book titled “ Elements of Political Science” is currently being edited and will be sent to the publisher any moment from now,” he added.
The university don thanked his colleagues, associates, students and other well wishers for gracing the occasion and wished them mercies journey to their various destinations.
The Book Reviewer,Prof. Onje Gye-Wado, Dean, Faculty of Law, Bingham University, Karu,while reviewing the 225 pages and nine chapters of the book commended the author for an excellent job done.
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