By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Cross River State House of Assembly has raised alarm about the improper handling of the state-owned cocoa farms by former Governor Ben Ayade Special Adviser on Cocoa Development, Mr. Oscar Ofuka.
The House ran the alarm bell during its plenary on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, by the member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, as a matter of urgent public importance.
Hon. Etta informed the House that Mr. Ofuka and his associates had been renting out cocoa farms beyond the tenure of the previous administration, which he described as a criminal act and an attempt to undermine the current administration led by Governor Bassey Otu.
“Being one of the main cash crops in Cross River State, cocoa is important to the State’s economy, and mismanagement of it has caused serious problems.”
Speaking on the matter, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, the leader of the 10th Assembly, expressed his disappointment with Ofuka’s actions. He warned that an arrest warrant might be issued if Ofuka’s actions persist.
Hon. Okon Owuna, a member representing Akamkpa 1 State constituency averred that Ofuka’s abnormalities have continued for a long time and should not be allowed to continue under Governor Otu’s leadership. Owuna stressed that Ofuka needs to publicly defend the financial transactions made during his tenure and offer an explain his actions.
Hon. Ovat Agbor, member representing Obubra 1 Constituency echoed Okon’s sentiment that Ofuka’s actions were criminal; demanding a thorough public explanation from Ofuka over the financial dealings associated with the cocoa farms.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem in his remark emphasized that no individual has a greater entitlement to State resources than others.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Matthew Okache, Speaker Ayambem condemned Ofuka’s monopolistic behavior and stated that renting out cocoa farms beyond the permissible administrative period is a crime. He said the House will not tolerate any actions that undermine the current administration’s corrective measures.
Honorable Elvert added that despite multiple directives from the 9th Assembly for Ofuka to cease his activities, the former adviser has continued to ignore these orders.
The House of Assembly in its resolution, demanded that Ofuka appear before the floor of the House to provide a public explanation. The Assembly further warned that failure to comply would result in the issuance of a warrant for Ofuka’s arrest.
The Assembly also urged the State Government to take immediate action to ensure stability in the cocoa sector. Additionally, a special committee was set up by the Assembly to conduct an in-depth investigation and report back to the Assembly. The committee is as follows:
- Hon. Charles Omang – Chairman
- Hon. Bette Obi – Member
- Hon. Neji Abang – Member
- Hon. Brian Odey – Member
- Hon. Thomas Aruku – Member