FORESTS CONSERVATION: FC CHAIRMAN STRENGTHENS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OBUNG COMMUNITY AND C’RIVER NAT’L PARK

 

By Blessing Enagu 

 

The Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Undiandeye has mediated in the misunderstanding between the Cross River National Park and one of her host Communities, Obung in Akampka Local Government Area of the State to find common grounds for the two parties.

The misunderstanding which led to encroachment on the Buffer Zone and hostility to the Park Management was quelled in a tripartite meeting between the State Forestry Commission, Obung Council leaders and the Management of Cross River National Park, held recently in the Commission's headquarters, Calabar.

Addressing the parties after hearing from both sides, Chief Undiandeye drew their attention to the philosophical norm that “two wrongs don’t make a right,” while emphasizing the need for understanding and deeper cooperation for better management of the forests. He added that environmental challenges are global, hence the pertinence for all hands to be on deck, beginning from his little corner.

Chief Undiandeye admonished the Community leaders to create a more enabling environment for the Park, whose activities, he maintained, have placed Obung community on the world ecological map, while also directing that the community live under the laws of Cross River State, nay Nigeria.

On the other hand, the Chairman urged the Park to work with the Community with the best of intentions, renew their relationship to a more rewarding one, as well as pledged his Commission’s readiness to work with the Park Management to promote the course of indigenous employment.

The Forestry Commission Boss assured them of continuous support in line with the mandate to conserve protect and manage the forests landscapes and resources of the entire State, expressed hope for greater areas of collaboration between the Park and the Community.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Conservator of Park, Cross River National Park, Akampka, George Karngong disclosed that the management had made several failed attempts to dialogue with the Community over their concerns. He explained that some of their agitations were under considerations; like the issue of boundary extension, which he noted, had been sent to the National Assembly for consideration.

Karngong called for understanding and patience while the Park Management continues to render support within their powers.

Re-echoing their supplication,  the Village Head of Obung Community, Ntufam Ignatius Enoh and his Council Adviser, Ntufam Alphonsus Itita denied claims of encroachment on the Buffer Zone by the Community. They informed that the Community had presented several concerns which included: youth unemployment, request for boundary extension due to increasing population, award of contracts to Obung sons and daughters, which he lamented were hitherto  not redressed.

They called on the Park Management to rise to its responsibilities so that Obung would benefit as one of the host Communities of National Park.

The Obung Council Secretary, Agu Frances thanked the Chairman for his wise counsel, noting that the Community was satisfied and ready to work cordially with the Park.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to return peacefully and maintain a good relationship without encroaching on the Buffer Zone.

The meeting was also attended by Directors of the Commission and the Zonal Forest Officer, Akampka, Mr. George Imbua.

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