In a high court session held in Effraya, Etung Local Government Area, the 1,415 cocoa farmers who were instructed by Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State to vacate their lands have emerged triumphant, securing an interim injunction that prevents the State government from carrying out the eviction.
The previous administration under Prof Ben Ayade had initially allocated the hectares to the farmers.
Despite meeting all requirements, the state government’s cocoa allocation committee, headed by chairman Mr. Ebori Nku, deemed their occupancy illegal.
Mr. Charles Mgbe and other allottees brought a lawsuit (HE/16/2024) against the State government in response to the eviction threats.
Represented by legal counsel Ntufam Mba Ukweni Esq, SAN, the farmers sought redress through the court.
Presiding over the case, Justice Amajama Eneji granted the injunction, preventing the state government and its representatives from harassing or intimidating the farmers.
In his ruling, Justice Amajama stated, “Upon review of the motion presented before this honorable court and considering the plea from Ntufam Mba Ukweni, Esq.SAN, the court grants the motion as requested.”
“An interim injunction order is hereby issued, restraining the defendants/respondents, their agents, associates, and collaborators from engaging in any form of harassment, threats, intimidation, or eviction attempts.”
The court set a date of April 29, 2024, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Following the passing of the injunction, the claimants’ counsel emphasized the importance of upholding justice and confirmed that the government would be notified to appear in court.
He stressed the validity of the farmers’ cocoa farm allocations, emphasizing the government’s obligation to either refund them or provide an alternate location, as a change in administration does not nullify existing contracts.
He added, “The court’s order prevents the government from evicting the farmers until they have an opportunity to present their case in court.”
If the government fails to appear, the claimants will pursue further legal action.
Controversies have arisen over cocoa farm allocations in Etung following Governor Otu’s establishment of a new cocoa allocation committee.