Is South West Governor Escalating Diplomatic Standoff with Nigeria?

On Wednesday, October 9, South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai accused the Nigerian community in Idabato, Ndian Division, of complicity in the disappearance of Divisional Officer Ewane Roland. The governor claims that Nigerian pirates operating in the Bakassi Peninsula, a region that Cameroon and Nigeria once claimed, took the DO.

The Governor claimed that the population, which he estimated to be 95 percent Nigerian, is involved in the incident. “I gave the population of Idabato, who is 95 percent Nigerians, to release the D.O.,” he stated. “It is well established that the D.O. has the complicities of so-called Nigerian businessmen who refused to comply with the laws of the Republic in their illegal activities.”

Bilai accused these business individuals of evading taxes and stated that when the D.O. attempted to enforce compliance and address illegal activities, he was “attacked, kidnapped, and taken to Nigeria.” The Governor further warned the Nigerian community, saying, “I came to tell the Nigerian community that they should release the D.O. I gave them 72 hours, and while waiting, all the activities in Idabato and the surrounding areas are closed.”

What Happens After 72 Hours?

However, the South West Governor, who travelled to Idabato by sea, did not specify what actions would be taken if Ewane Roland was not freed within the 72-hour ultimatum. He attributed the accusations against the Nigerian business community to established connections, yet he did not clearly articulate how these individuals were linked to the D.O.’s disappearance. If wrongdoing occurred, one might question whether it would be more appropriate to pursue legal action against those responsible rather than resorting to threats.

Impact on Local Cameroonians

With the Governor asserting that 95 percent of the population in Idabato is Nigerian, the shutdown of economic activities raises concerns for the remaining 5 percent of Cameroonian citizens living in the area. The D.O., Ewane Roland, was abducted on October 1, and while the Governor claims he is now in Nigerian territory, he did not provide evidence to substantiate this claim.

Cameroon and Nigeria engage in significant cross-border trade, and the closure of economic activities, coupled with accusations against foreign nationals, could strain diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Mimi Mefo Info