By Blessing Enagu
MOI officer reporting from CRS Forestry Commission
In his unwavering resolve to bring a lasting solution to the lingering contention between eight communities in Cross River State over ownership of Lafarge lease area, the Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Undiandeye has held another stakeholders' meeting with the concerned communities to validate findings of the technical team of the Commission.
The meeting which held recently in the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Mfamosing, Akamkpa Local Government Area, was, according to the Commision's Chairman, to critically analyze the findings from the field in order to reach a common understanding of the contending issues.
In his remarks, Chief Undiandeye reiterated the need for dialogue as a panacea for conflict resolution, adding that as sister communities, they must co-exist peacefully for meaningful development to occur in their communities.
He intimated the stakeholders that the technical team from their separate interactions with the communities and the geolocation carried out have produced a map which clearly shows the locations of the respective communities within the Ekinta Forest Reserve and Oban group of Forests reserve.
He confirmed claims of some communities that their agitation is not for land rent but to benefit from the Lafarge's Corporate Social Responsibility, given the environmental impact of the company's operations on their Community and the prevailing hazards.
The Chairman directed that the commission, being an establishment of government that outlives everyone, will serve as a channel of representation between the company and the communities for a more transparent relationship, as it were in the case of royalties.
He concluded that having validated the reports, a firm decision will be taken and shall be communicated to the relevant parties, while also praying that the overall decision would be unanimously reached.
Chief Undiandeye assured communities that requested for nurseries that exotic species would be made available to them during the rainy season, while calling on others to be passionate about forests protection and even more mindful of their activities in the forest as the effects of climate change are very glaring.
He commended them for maintaining the peace and industrial relationship with Lafarge as well as having faith in the Commission.
In response, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Ntufam Clement Emayip appreciated the Chairman for his steadfast dedication in the quest to finding lasting resolution to the situation at hand.
In a separate remark, a representative of Akwa Ikot Effanga, Etubom, Justice Charles Archibong called on the Commission to leave no stone unturned in its role of bringing solution to the conundrum.
He implored the Commission to seek historical details inorder to be well guided as chanel of representation between the Communities and the Company.
Also, a representative of Mbuboi community, Ntufam Prof. Ayuk Essoka sued for justice and fairness for the avoidance of future contention.
In a historical exposé, Prof Essoka cited the vital role played by one of their Chiefs during siting of Calcemco company before Lafarge came on board. He argued that the operational area of Lafarge is not different from that of Calcemco.
Another representative from Abiati Community, Elder Francis Bassey raised concern over the primary and secondary owners of Lafarge mining area.
Other Communities represented were Ekong Anaku, Mfamosing, Ikot Enameti, Ikot Oyom Eneyo and Camp 2.
The Chairman was accompanied by all the board members and senior directors of the Commission.
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