Some stakeholders in communities affected by the Ikom-Obudu highway have commended Governor Bassey Otu for awarding the contract to repair a section of the road.

The stakeholders made the commendation on Monday at Bendeghe Ekiem, Etung, while handing over a structure to temporarily accommodate the construction firm handling the project.

According to a government statement, Faith Plants Global was awarded the contract to rehabilitate about 10km of the road.

Oscar Ofuka, a former aide to ex-Governor Ben Ayade, who handed over the facility to the construction company, described the government’s move as a step in the right direction.

Mr Ofuka said that donating temporary accommodation to the company was a way to support the smooth implementation of the project.

“This facility was to serve as a police station, but we are donating it to the company. It’s a way of supporting the government and giving back to society,” he said.

Receiving the facility on behalf of Faith Plants Global, Abraham Asu, the head of the Okosoro clan, described the gesture as a huge support to the government and the communities.

Mr Asu used the opportunity to state that cocoa allocation disputes and disobedience to court orders had remained major causes of conflicts in the area.

“I assure that the community leaders will work towards resolving all lingering issues relating to cocoa farms,” he said.

Also speaking, Moses Ndep, the chairman of the Crisis Management Committee of the Mbube Bloc of Clans, described the award of the road project as a good omen.

“It is a major intervention that is capable of boosting the movement of people and promoting socio-economic activities in the area,” he said.

Mr Ndep also used the opportunity to urge residents of the area to obey court orders arising from cocoa farm disputes.

“Don’t enter cocoa farms that are currently under litigation or subject to pending court decisions.

“I am hopeful that the ongoing dialogue will prevent further disputes and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he said.

Some cocoa-producing communities in central Cross River are involved in a series of court cases with the state government.

The litigations result from alleged discrepancies in the allocation of cocoa estates by successive administrations. 

(NAN)