The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Relations, Hon. Chief (Mrs) Ada Charles, emphasized this during her meeting with the traditional Leaders and people of Ehom Evia community, Biase Local Government Area, on Tuesday, 2nd July 2024. reminding the people of the Nigerian Land Use Act, that states that, “the government owns all the land in Nigeria,” which therefore condemns fighting for lands ownership.
While urging the women and the aggrieve Youths of the community to embrace dialogue and promote peace, Hon Ada, emphasized on the importance of the meeting towards averting and preventing any unforeseen loss of life and property, particularly in light of the recent protests by women of the community.
She further reiterated the Governor Otu’s commitments towards “the People first Agenda” which encompasses security and the safety of all state residents. She emphasized on the negative effects the ongoing events in the community can cause, while assuring the people of government interest for peace and a positive outcome.
Speaking, the acting village head, Obhort Udo Akpe, thanked the Governor for his swift response, pointing out that his people are satisfy with the government and hold no grudges, while condemning the actions of a few conniving chiefs whose greed allegedly led to the youth leader’s arrest and subsequent tensions in the community which led to the women unclad protest.
He appealed to the Cross River State Government to continue its efforts to resolve the land ownership dispute between the host community and Pamol (Nigeria) Limited. He also urged the government to ensure that anyone acting outside the law and perpetrating injustice and unfairness is held accountable.
Responding, one of the women representatives, Hon. (Mrs) Mary Akpe, praised the state government for her efforts in addressing the issues and appealed for continued intervention in the matter.
Speaking unbehalf of the youths, Mr Egwu Ibim reaffirmed the community’s stance on the disputed land, criticizing Pamol Nigeria Limited for allegedly not fulfilling legal requirements. He emphasized that any claims to the community land by the chiefs lacked legitimacy.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations (South), Mr. Anakari Ojoi, along with some stakeholders, were in attendance.
