Women in Bendeghe Ekiem and Abia communities in Etung LGA of Cross River State have threatened to go nude if the state government goes ahead to privatise the cocoa plantation in their two communities.
The state government has issued an intention to privatise some cocoa estates in many communities, especially those in Bendeghe Ekiem, Abia, and nearby communities.
But the locals have rejected the plan, saying such will deprive them of employment and livelihoods. They also said that, by the plan, the government has breached the agreement they had with them.
The Bendeghe Ekiem women issued the threat when they again protested against the government’s plan yesterday.
They said the purpose is to further illustrate their displeasure against the government’s neglect and negation of responsibility to them.
They gave the Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, 15 days within which to withdraw the plan.
Speaking, women leader Ntunkai Mary Obi and Chief Helen Ogar charged the Commissioner to dialogue with leaders of the community on the issue to enable them to know the next line of action on the issue.
“Starting from today, we have given a two-week ultimatum to the Commissioner for Agriculture to get back to us after this protest for us to dialogue; otherwise, we’ll proceed to the plantation and walk around naked as our culture prescribes.”;
In the company of the community youth leader, Comrade Tandu Kingsley, and Town Council Chairman, Mr. Etta Atu-Ojua, they expressed their displeasure over the planned privatization of the estate.
They urged the Agric Commissioner to reverse the decision to privatise the estate.
“With this estate, crime rate has reduced as our youths were engaged meaningfully.
“We knew what our community went through before now. We pray not to return to such a state again.”;
