Peace Committee Submits Report On Land Acquisition Crisis

The Peace Commit
tee handling the reconciliation between Jocarl Investment Ltd., an agro-based Company and its host community, Egbeda has submitted its report, a member of the Committee Barr. Douglas Nmah has disclosed.
Barr. Nmah, who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt at the weekend, noted that the recommendations of the committee if followed would sustain lasting peace between the company and its host.
He said the community had been estranged with Jocarl Investment Ltd following what it termed illegal expropriation of its farmland in the guise of government acquisition.
However, Jocarl has maintained that the community was properly acquired by the acquisition company despite the fact that the price of the land was small in view of present circumstances.
Jocarl Investment Ltd which spoke through its legal representative, Barr. ThankGod Nmah explained that the company acquired the land properly.
Barr. Nmah expressed hope that the recommendations of the committee would facilitate peace between the company and its host community.
Also speaking, the leader of the Landlord Youths, Comrade Franklyn Isiah urged the Police authorities in Rivers State who are handling the peace process to ensure speedy resolution of the conflict in the interest of all.
Comrade Isiah pointed out that the community was agrasion and would not lose the bulk of its farmland for peanuts.
It will be recalled that more than four months ago, Egbeda Community against Jocarl Investment Ltd for what it called illegal expropriation of its farmland by Akor & kidelis had a face off.
Following the protest that affected production in Jocarl farm, the Rivers State Police Command set up a committee to chart a way forward.

Chidi Enyie