Tensions Rise in Cross River as Etomi Community Opposes Cocoa Estate Privatization
Residents of Etomi community in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, are up in arms over the state government’s plan to privatise the cocoa estate that has sustained them for generations. The peaceful protest, which drew in hundreds of smallholder farmers, elderly landowners, and energetic youth involved in the cocoa value chain, signals just how high the stakes are.
Chanting slogans and waving placards that read “Our cocoa estate is not for sale” and “Don’t deprive us of our rights,” the protesters say the planned privatisation ignores a binding agreement their ancestors made with the government in the late 1950s. That deal, they argue, remains valid and must guide any decision about the future of the estate.
The cause of the uproar is the cocoa estate established under the administration of Michael Okpara, former premier of the Eastern Region. The land, donated by Etomi forefathers in 1957, has provided livelihoods for generations of smallholder farmers. Now, many fear the planned privatisation will cut them out of the only means of income they know.
Mr. Mbek Agbor-Tangban, a respected community leader, didn’t mince words when he addressed journalists during the protest. He reminded the state government that Etomi people gave up their land on the condition that they would always be consulted first if the government ever wanted to sell or lease the estate.
“We are reacting to the publication in The Nigerian Chronicle of June 25th, which advertised tenders for the cocoa estate,” Agbor-Tangban said. “We were not informed. Government ought to have consulted us first as landlords. Our agreement says we must have the right of first refusal. If we can’t manage it, then they can look for other buyers.”
The community claims the lack of consultation not only violates the old agreement but also shows a disregard for their rights and wellbeing. Many farmers who rely on the cocoa estate worry that privatisation could mean mass unemployment and dislocation for youths and families already struggling in tough economic times.
Ntunkai Mary-Ndum, the Etomi women’s leader, equally expressed this fear and poured her heart with defiance. She said, “If the state government no longer wants to continue the smallholder scheme our people cherish, they should come, uproot their cocoa trees, and leave our land to us. We can farm it ourselves.”
Young people in Etomi share that sentiment. Abang Shikina-Oji, the youth leader, said the move would disadvantage the community that has protected and nurtured the estate for decades. “Our grandparents gave up this land with the hope that it would empower future generations. Now, our fear is that privatisation will leave our youth jobless,” he said.
The Cross River State Privatisation Council, according to the protesters, is pushing the plan forward without any clear community dialogue. Still, the government insists it won’t neglect the people’s interest. Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, has promised that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration will review the situation to ensure the people’s welfare comes first.
Ebokpo said, “The governor will address all concerns. He is open to reviewing any policy that causes distress. His primary concern is the welfare of the people.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, appealed for calm. He assured the Etomi community that the government would not betray the trust built over decades of collaboration.
While these promises sound comforting, many residents remain skeptical until concrete actions back up the assurances. For now, they insist that the state must honour the original agreement. Anything less, they argue, risks plunging a once-thriving farming community into chaos.
Everyone awaits Governor Otu’s next move. Will the administration keep the trust of Etomi farmers who feel sidelined by the privatisation plan? Or will this peaceful protest be the spark that forces the government to return to the negotiation table?
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