The State Cocoa Allocation Surveillance taskforce has been prohibited by a high court in Cross River from carrying out operations at government Cocoa plantations in Etung LGA.
Furthermore, they are not allowed to impede the work of the cocoa plot allottees on the plantations.
Justice Amajama Eneji presided over the court session held in Effraya town.
The court’s directive restrains the task force from disturbing allottees of government cocoa farms in Etung local government of the state.
Although Governor Bassey Otu had initially prevented some allottees from accessing the plantation, they took legal action against the administration.
After the proceedings, the court adjourned the case for discussion on May 23, 2024, following a counter affidavit to the motion on notice.
The Counsel representing the Cross River State government, Woda Ogar, filed a statement of defense.
In a conversation with reporters, Ogar stated, “The ex parte application was processed today and has been adjourned to May 23rd for the motion on notice hearing.
“My purpose here today was to address suit no. HA/16, 17, and 18, 2024 which were served to me, and I have responded accordingly.
“The claimants allege that some troublemakers are seizing control of the cocoa plots in question, harassing individuals, and other similar activities.
“This led them to file an ex parte application to restrain those individuals. They also claimed that the government’s surveillance committee was involved in unlawful acts, prompting the court to issue another ex parte order.”
On the other hand, Mba Ukweni, SAN, the lawyer for the allottees, stated that he and his clients came to court to seek an interlocutory injunction against the government and its representatives to prevent them from interfering with the government cocoa farms.
“We received their counter affidavit yesterday. The court sided with both parties and issued an order tantamount to an interlocutory injunction. This court order maintains the status quo, requiring the involved parties to continue their respective activities.”
Ukweni dismissed the likelihood of the government disregarding the court’s ruling.
He mentioned, “If they disobey the court order, there will be consequences according to the law. On the 23rd, the court will deliver a verdict on today’s proceedings, and we will proceed to argue the matters adjourned to that date.”