Cocoa Allocation: Stakeholders Seek Lasting Solutions to Crisis in Etomi-Etung Local Government Area
By Our Reporter
In response to the escalating tension and unrest in Etomi, Etung Local Government Area, caused by alleged lopsided cocoa allocation, the State Security Adviser (SSA) to the Governor of Cross River State, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (rtd) and the Special Adviser Asset Management & Recovery, Barr Gilbert Agbor, who incidentially, is an indegene of Etomi community, convened a high-level meeting to discuss strategies for achieving lasting peace and stability in the area.
The meeting which held on April 15, 2024, was also attended by the Chairman & Secretary of the Cocoa Allocation and Regeneration Committee, as well as the member representing Etomi, to provide support and ensure a productive dialogue.
The State Security Adviser, Major General Ubi, opened the meeting with emphasis on the importance of maintaining peace and order in every nooks and crannies of the state.
"The safety and well-being of Etomi residents as well as Etung in general is of utmost priority. We must take decisive steps to resolve this crisis and prevent any further escalation of tensions.
Our goal is to establish a sustainable solution that will benefit all those involved," he said. On his part, the Special Adviser, Barr Agbor, echoed the SSA's sentiments, underscoring the need for immediate action.
"The situation in Etomi is disturbing. We must work swiftly to address the grievances of the youths as well as the chiefs and ensure that the allocation of cocoa farms is fair and equitable for all in line with His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu's directives.
A just resolution will help restore trust and foster peace among the people," he stated. As the meeting concluded, all parties agreed to work together to implement the proposed measures and maintain open lines of communication throughout the process.
As residents of Etomi remain hopeful that the agreed-upon measures will lead to a resolution of the unrest, the state government's commitment to finding a fair and lasting solution will be seen as a positive step toward achieving lasting peace and reconciliation.
