Abia community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State has accused the state government of reneging on an agreement made decades ago when cocoa plantations were established on their land.
This came to light when they joined Etomi, a neighbouring community, which yesterday protested against the planned privatization of the government estate situated in their own lands.
Abia community claims the government had promised their youths and women employment opportunities in managerial positions after they donated the lands for the cocoa estate.
One of the community leaders who led the protest, Elder Patrick Ndifon said, “The government has failed to pay the community’s royalty. This has further aggravated the situation. The lack of basic amenities has been an unresolved issue by the state government.”
He said the community lacks access roads, electricity, good learning environments, and employment opportunities. He cautioned against privatising the cocoa estate, fearing they will lose out.
He called on the state government to have a re-think and deal with infrastructure problems faced by Abia community.
The community leader emphasized that privatization is not part of the agreement.
“Privatization is not an item of the agreement. It was never part of the agreement.”
