Cocoa farmers, women protest govt plan to sell plantations

While speaking to newsmen during the protest, Hon. Ata Obi Tangban, who is the chairman of eight clans of the landlord communities of Etung Local Government Area said, “we have gathered here today to state our dissatisfaction on the planned privatisation of our cocoa estates.”He lamented that the government was not feeling the pulse of […]

While speaking to newsmen during the protest, Hon. Ata Obi Tangban, who is the chairman of eight clans of the landlord communities of Etung Local Government Area said, “we have gathered here today to state our dissatisfaction on the planned privatisation of our cocoa estates.”
He lamented that the government was not feeling the pulse of the people. He said that they have gone to court but are not satisfied with the ruling.
“Our livelihood is from this cocoa.  Our children cannot gain employment in the labour market even after leaving school. Our youth find themselves gainfully employed in our cocoa farms and keep away from unruly behavior,” he said.
He said he was sure that the state government was behind the move to sell off the cocoa plantations. “We cannot help but shout our helplessness in the hands of money bags. The three LGAs in this state, including Etung, Ikom and Boki LGAs, are hinged on cocoa.”