In a surprising turn of events, the Cross River Government has publicly acknowledged its mistake in ceding 32 hectares of cocoa plots to one Ogar Assam’s family at Abonita Cocoa Estate in Etung Local Government Area of the state. The decision, as revealed in a letter dated January 17, 2024, by the Director of Agric Services, Ogar Etta, marks a significant retreat from the earlier controversial action.
The letter titled “Re: Release of Block 7A77, 7B77, 7C77, 8B77, 8C77 Cocoa Farms At Abonita Cocoa Estate to Chief Ogar Assam’s Family” explicitly states that the ceding of the said plots was a glaring error and consequently, they are now officially withdrawn.
The admission of the government’s misstep sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the erroneous ceding of the 32 hectares of cocoa plots. It was revealed that the decision was based on misguided and misinformed information contained in a letter dated December 5, 2023. Upon a closer review of the facts, it has become evident that the cocoa plots were, in fact, the property of the state government.
The sequence of events leading to this retraction further unveils the depth of the misunderstanding. The Government’s desire to retract the ceded blocks stemmed from a meeting with the landlords in the communities on December 12, 2023, as well as additional revelations during an attempt by the Attorney General of Cross River State to resolve the impasse.
The withdrawal letter also explicitly cites the director of forestry and the Commissioner for Lands, both of whom affirm that the 32 hectares of land were erroneously ceded to Ogar Assam’s family and remain vested in the government of Cross River State.
This about-turn by the Cross River Government represents a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the ownership of the cocoa plots, and it underscores a commitment to rectifying errors and upholding the integrity of land ownership in the region.
This announcement has sparked conversations across the state and beyond, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. As the details continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how this reversal will impact the stakeholders involved and what measures will be taken to address any potential repercussions stemming from the initial error.
The withdrawal of the ceded property serves as an important reminder of the complexities and delicate nature of land ownership, especially in regions with a rich agricultural heritage like Cross River State. It is a story that resonates with communities worldwide, speaking to the broader issues of land rights, governance, and the ongoing challenges of balancing economic development with preserving traditional livelihoods.
As the Cross River Government navigates the aftermath of this retraction, it sets a precedent for accountability and responsible governance, offering a valuable lesson in acknowledging and rectifying errors. This saga serves as a powerful testament to the evolving landscape of land ownership and the enduring importance of respecting and protecting the rights of all stakeholders involved.
The repercussions of this withdrawal are sure to reverberate throughout the state and capture the attention of policymakers, legal experts, and citizens alike, as they consider the implications and broader significance of this pivotal moment in the region’s history.
