Gov’t Declares Cocoa Estates Safe for Legitimate Farmers, Moves to Flush Out Ofuka
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government has declared its cocoa estates in Etung Local Government Area safe for all legitimately allocated farmers, urging them to go about their business without fear, even as it branded Mr. Oscar Ofuka — alleged tormentor of farmers — an impostor who will be legally flushed out.
The assurance came through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, during a meeting with a delegation of farmers led by Hon. Atu Ebuta, Chairman of Bendeghe Ekiem unit of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria. The farmers had decried the constant harassment and disruption of farming activities allegedly orchestrated by Ofuka.
Prof. Owan-Enoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting state assets and ensuring that law-abiding citizens are not bullied by individuals acting above the law.
“Let me assure you that the government is on your side. We will pursue this matter to a logical conclusion,” he stated, emphasizing that while much cannot be disclosed as the case remains in court, justice will be served.
The farmers also visited the Member Representing Etung in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Isong, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, who both condemned the disruptive activities attributed to Ofuka.
Hon. Isong expressed outrage that Ofuka, a former aide in the previous administration, would defy government authority and terrorize his own people.
“It’s a shame that someone from Etung would wage war against his own people and the government that once gave him a platform,” he lamented, adding that the House will revisit the alleged atrocities and take legislative action if necessary.
Barr. Agbor urged the farmers to remain law-abiding, assuring them that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is in control and determined to recover and secure all state assets.
Farmers, in their remarks, expressed frustration over Ofuka’s continued interference in cocoa estate operations, questioning why he would attempt to sabotage revenue opportunities for the current administration.
“We are here to farm and feed our families. Why would one man try to take the entire estate hostage, defying government directives?” one of the farmers queried.
Efforts to reach Mr. Oscar Ofuka for his side of the story proved abortive, as repeated calls and messages went unanswered.
