An environmental activist and former presidential aide, Barr. Obol Okoi Obono-Obla, has called on Governor Bassey Otu to sack four commissioners of the Cross River State Forestry Commission over alleged timber racketeering, revenue diversion and illegal logging activities.
In a petition to the governor, Obono-Obla accused the commissioners of running “devilish” operations that undermine the Forestry Commission Law of 2011, deplete forest reserves and rob the state of badly needed revenue.
He alleged that the commissioners were illegally issuing evacuation receipts, diverting funds through POS transactions, and using relatives instead of certified professionals to sign official documents. According to him, resistant forestry staff were being “swapped” to pave way for corrupt practices.
“The rate at which our forests are disappearing is alarming. Timber is being moved illegally within and outside the state without the official hammer of the Forestry Commission. The state is being robbed by those meant to protect it,” he stated.
Obono-Obla further claimed that the commissioners had extended logging into the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, forcing the endangered Cross River gorillas to migrate and exposing them to poachers.
The petition listed the commissioners as Chief Kelvin Albert Njong (North West Zone), Mr. Emmanuel Abeng (North East Zone), Mr. Emmanuel Oyo (South West Zone) and Mr. Isaac Obo (South East Zone)
Obono-Obla urged Governor Otu to invoke Section 5(2) of the Forestry Commission Law to remove them, return evacuation receipts to trained professionals, automate monitoring systems, and equip the commission for regular patrols.
“The integrity of your administration and the future of our forests, tourism and environment depend on swift and decisive action,” Obono-Obla warned.
