Cross River Government Set 11-Man Pre-Cocoa Allocation Committee To Inquire Into The Controversies

By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent

Following the recent controversies that have trailed the Cross River State cocoa sector, the Government has set up an 11-man Pre-Cocoa Allocation Committee to determine the total indebtedness to landlord communities and other issues.

The government in a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu – Emmanuel Ogbeche on Monday, July 10, 2023, the Committee is also charged to determine the total number of hectares of cocoa plots acquired, total hectares planted, total hectares that are viable, encroached; ascertain the total scope of new farms over the past four years, and among others.

The Committee is headed by Dr. Assam Assam as Chairman, nine members, and Barr. Daniel Mgbe as Secretary.

“The Committee is expected to submit its report on or by July 30th, 2023. Finally, the Governor urges the members to serve with diligence and the best interest of the State.”

It added: “The Committee has as its Terms of Reference:

1. To determine the total hectarage of acquired cocoa plots;
2. To determine the total hectrage planted;

iii. To determine the total number of hectrage that are viable;

1. To determine the total hectrage that are non-viable
2. To determine the total hectrage that have been encroached;
3. To ascertain the total scope of new farms over the past 4 (four) years.
4. vii. To determine the total indebtedness to landlord communities.

The Committee is as follows:

1. Dr. Assam Assam – Chairman
2. Mr. Collins Atu Ogar – Member
3. Mr. Mbek Tangban – Member
4. Mr. Augustine Ayuk – Member
5. Mr. Ebuta Akor Member
6. Mr. Anari Emeng Anari – Member
7. Manager, Ikom Cocoa Estate – Member
8. Manager, Abia/Bendeghe Cocoa Estate – Member
9. Manager, Abonita Cocoa Estate – Member
10. Manager, Cross River Forest Estate – Member
11. Barr. Daniel Mgbe – Secretary