By Blessing Enagu
The Cross River State Forestry Commission Chairman, High Chief Tony Undiandeye has restated his commitment towards putting to rest the lingering contentions among some communities in the State over ownership of Lafarge Africa's Mining lease area.
In an interaction with technical managers of the Company in his office recently, the Chairman assurred them that the Commission's decision of serving as a channel of representation between the Communities and the Company is for a more transparent relationship which will forestall future agitation and contentions between the parties involved.
While allaying their concerns, the Commission's Chairman explained that when the recommendations highlighted in the report presented to the Company are implemented, the issues would be put to rest and Lafarge would enjoy a conducive environment needed for maximum productivity.
He informed the Lafarge team that the recommendations were made after different engagements with the Communities, geolocation of the sites and production of a clearly defined map showing the locations of the respective communities within the lease area by technical staff of the Commission, followed by validation of findings by the Communities; a process which makes the report credible.
The Chairman cautioned that going contrary may unconsciously create over bearing conflicts as the Commission does not intend to throw up more contentions for the company in an attempt to resolve the existing one.
While suing for a sustained relationship with Lafarge Africa, Chief Udiandeye appreciated the Company for consistently referring to the Commission as the custodian of Ekinta and Oban Group of Forest Reserves, before determining the fate of the landlord communities.
Bearing his mind earlier, the Head of Mining, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Yakubu Yusuf intimated that their visit was to seek clarifications on some areas in the report received from the Commission.
According to him, their concerns were on the actual ownership of the two reserves - Ekinta and Oban Group of Forests - and to also ascertain the equity distribution of the Communities surrounding their lease area.
Mr. Yusuf thanked the Commission for the timely intervention in the matter and supported the need for surrounding communities to benefit from the Company's Corporate Social Responsibility, while hoping for a tripartite meeting where all parties would lay every contention to rest.
It would be recalled that Abiati, Mbuboi, Ikot Inameti, Akwa Ikot Effanga, Ikot Oyomene, Camp 2, Ekong Anaku and Mfamosing Communities in Cross River State have been at loggerheads over ownership of Lafarge Africa mining lease area.
At the instance of the Company, the Cross River State Forestry Commission led by the Chairman, High Chief Tony Undiandeye waded into the matter with practical approach to stem the tide of conflict amongst the Communities.
Thorough findings were made by a technical team of the Commission and recommendations were sent to the Company as measures to completely resolve the matter.
It is anticipated that when Lafarge implements the recommendations, the Contentions would be resolved.
Also in the meeting were the Company's Quarry Manager, Mr. Kehinde Jayeola, Public Affairs Manager, Mr. Inyang Bassey, Legal Officer, Mr. Tony Atambi and senior Directors of the Commission.
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