By CrossRiverWatch Admim
The Cross River State Assembly wants the Government to lift the moratorium placed on the logging of wood and revert the management of the State’s Forests to the Forestry Commission as provided for by the Cross River State Forest Law 2010 as amended.
The Assembly also wants the Anti-Deforestation Taskforce to exist sorely to provide military presence to enhance sustainable management of the Forest.
Members adopted these resolutions sequel to the prayers of Member representing Boki 2, Hon. Hillary Bisong who moved the motion on the floor of the House.
Bisong observed that the Forest reserve is critical to the well being of the State and condemned the indescriminate logging of wood going on across the State.
He started that the Anti-Deforestation Taskforce has outlived its usefulness and urged Members to support the motion to return the management of the forests to the Forestry Commission for effective control.
In supporting of the motion, Members blamed the Taskforce for illegal logging, mismanagement amongst others adding that the Taskforce was an avenue for individuals to enrich themselves.
Hon ltam Abang representing Boki 1 in her contribution described the activities of the Taskforce as, “a rape of the State’s forest reserve” adding that, under the Forestry Commission, there was replanting of trees while Forest Communities were paid some royalties which they invested on Community projects such as schools.
Members resolved that the management of the State’s Forestry be handed back to the Forestry Commission.
The Speaker, Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams directed the Clerk of the House, Elder Bassey Ekpeyong to convey the resolution to the State Governor for implementation.
Leave feedback about this