By Godwin Ajom
Barely two days after farmers in Etomi Community, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State staged a protest against the planned privatization of government cocoa estate, Abia community has joined the protest against the policy.
The protesters displayed placards with different inscriptions, read: “Our estate isn’t for sale”, “Give us our land back if you are tired of running the cocoa plantations”, and others.
They highlighted several concerns, including lack of access roads, poor learning environments, and limited youth employment opportunities. They emphasized that privatization is not an acceptable solution and demanded that the government reconsider its decision.
The community claims that the government planted cocoa on their donated land and promised engagement opportunities for youths and women in managerial positions, which have never materialized.
The aggrieved communities noted that the lack of basic amenities has been an unresolved issue by the state government, calling for a rethink and deal with the infrastructure problems faced by the Abia community.
Other issues pointed out include lack of access to roads, electricity, good schools, and employment opportunities.
An opinion leader, Elder Patrick Ndifon who led the protest, emphasized that privatization is not part of the agreement. He urged the government to withdraw its statement.
He sensed that the state government had a different plan from what they knew, noting that they are aggrieved due to the government’s inability to pay the royalty accrued to them.
“Our fear is that we don’t have land. We have exhausted all of our farmlands. We believe that in 34 years, the government shall have exhausted all the years given to them. Our message to the government is that they should withdraw the statement attempting to privatize the estate “We are seriously in opposition to that decision”. Ndifon stated.
Women Leader, Mrs. Beatrice Tawo, urges the government to quit the farms if the estate can’t be managed properly.
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