Activist Urges Cross River Governor to Sack Commissioners Over Timber Scandal

Barr Obol Okoi, a former presidential aide and environmental activist, petitioned Cross River Governor Bassey Otu to dismiss four commissioners from the Forestry Commission over alleged timber logging malpractices. Okoi accused the commissioners of engaging in illegal logging, revenue diversion, and timber racketeering, undermining forestry laws and depleting forest reserves.

The petition highlighted issues such as unauthorized logging in protected areas like Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, endangering wildlife. Okoi called for action to curb the illegal timber trade and protect the state's natural resources.