The Women’s President of Effi Community, Chief Mrs. Ekim Ejukwa, has distanced herself from a protest staged by women in the community against the establishment of a Chinese firm on Effi land, Okuni community, in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent in Calabar yesterday, Chief Mrs. Ejukwa clarified her position, following the demonstration held by women in her community. She stressed that neither she nor her faction of supporters had any prior knowledge of the protest.
Speaking in Pidgin English, she said, “Why I go follow them protest wey I no get proper information say them want do protest? I no dey with them ooh. They just wear black clothes come stay for my house. My hand no dey inside there ooh!”
The women’s president explained that after returning from a church programme on Saturday, she was surprised to find a group of women dressed in black gathered at her residence, urging her to join their protest. However, she refused, citing a lack of respect for her authority as a chief. “I no support them because them no respect me like chief,” she added, stating that the protest was void without her endorsement.
When questioned about her involvement in signing the agreement allowing the Chinese firm to operate in the community, Chief Mrs. Ejukwa confirmed her participation, stating, “I signed am, I no fit lie.”
The protest comes amid long-standing tensions over the establishment of a white wood particle board processing factory in the community. Conservationist Mr. Odey Oyama, a native of the area, has led opposition to the project, resulting in various petitions.
Earlier this year, Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Dr. George Obene’chi, visited the community to investigate claims that the factory was encroaching on forest land. However, it was confirmed that the factory was situated within the heart of the community, not in the forest, as alleged. This finding was later affirmed by a team of state lawmakers led by Hon. Egbe Abeng, who conducted their own visit a month ago.
One youth leader, Stanley (surname withheld), expressed frustration over the continued protest, stating, “The factory isn’t in the forest but in the heart of the community, and the matter has been resolved. The agreement has been made available to everyone. I’m surprised that some women are still asking who the Chinese are, even after the lawmakers confirmed everything.”
Speaking in defence of the protest, women’s spokesperson Mercy Akpet said the demonstration was not about opposing the Chinese firm but rather about seeking recognition from the company. “We just want recognition, not that we hate entrepreneurs in our community,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the senior traditional ruler of Effi community, Chief Ntui Ojong-Nyambi, expressed his dismay at the actions of the protesting women, noting their disregard for the women’s president, who had been instrumental in signing the agreement with the investors. He stressed the need for unity and peace in the community.
