Member representing Bakassi State Constituency in Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Eyo Bassey, popularly called Empowerment Chiarman, has waded into the long standing crisis between Bakassi IDP camp and its host communities, Ikot Effiom and Ekpri Obutong.
Some weeks ago, the village heads of IDP Camp host communities had reported to the honourable member about IDPs encroachment on their ancestral land. The IDPs in turn reported maltreatment by the host communities.
The honourable member, in consideration of the complaints, convened a meeting with the villages, IDPs alongside security agencies and community stakeholders.
“We have lived for over 18 years without issues, but recently, there have been complaints about issues affecting our peaceful coexistence as a people. Today will provide us the opportunity to hear from you. We are here to see how to resolve these issues. Crisis can be averted when there’s dialogue. When there is dialogue, there’s consensus. I stand for fairness, equity and justice. I do not take sides. The security agencies seated here are to witness what we will be discussing. Let’s look at the root cause of these issues,” Eyo said.
At the meeting, all the parties expressed their concerns and grievances.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Comrade Peter Okon said that the communal issues have been ongoing for a long time. “It is a matter that has been going on for a long time. It has gotten to a point that we said ‘No’ we must not keep quiet. We are interested in peaceful coexistence. This issue started when the IDPs encroached and started harvesting our palms and other economic crops. We have resolved that we will sit and write our position on black and white which we will make it available to you.”
On the other hand, a representative of the IDPs, Mr. Asuquo Edet Okon, said that the host communities have been maltreating them since they came to the camp. “Since the federal government brought us to this resettlement camp, we have not rested due to issues upon issues by these villages. The villages should tell us what is causing them to trouble us. They have killed our people here. We have lost so many souls because of this issue.”
The honourable member appealed to all parties involved to cooperate with him to ensure lasting solution is achieved. He also requested that the parties should write a report on these issues while also charging them to be objective in their reports.
He also stated that stakeholders in Bakassi communities must contribute to peaceful coexistence as development can only thrive in a peaceful and hospitable environment.
Responding to the concerns raised by the community leaders, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, South, Commander Patrick Odiong (Rtd), said “The people first development project can only come into communities that are safe for investors and businesses. A house divided against itself cannot stand. If we continue to fight the way we’re fighting the government will not be able to drive development. The Bakassi deep seaport is on course. The Governor is doing all he could to get the project started. We must allow peace to reign so we can attract investors and investment.”
Odiong further pleaded with the elders of the host communities to look at the issues objectively so that a lasting solution can be achieved.
In closing, the clan head of Nsidung clan, HRH Etinyin Ewa Cobham, called on the community stakeholders to continue to support peaceful dialogue until result is achieved. He also appreciated the honourable member for creating a fair platform for fruitful dialogue.
