Idongesit Mishael, Uyo
Investigative journalist and farmer, Ibanga Isine, has called on Governor Umo Eno to ensure the full enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law, warning that farmers and agricultural investments in the state are increasingly vulnerable to attacks by herders and their cattle.
Isine also alleged that he was humiliated and denied fair hearing at Magistrate Court 7, Uyo, during proceedings arising from the prosecution of a suspect arrested following repeated invasions of his farms.
In a statement made available to VVCWatch on Friday, the journalist urged the governor to demonstrate that agriculture, one of the pillars of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, is not merely a slogan but a protected sector capable of attracting and sustaining investments.
“Farmers should not be left at the mercy of lawless herders. Citizens who invest their resources in food production should not be punished for contributing to food security and economic development. The state must demonstrate that agriculture is not merely a slogan but a protected and respected sector of the economy. The rule of law must protect farmers as much as it protects everyone else,” he said.
Isine disclosed that his family and business partners invested heavily in commercial agriculture in response to government policies promoting the sector and currently operate two farms cultivating tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, pepper, pumpkin leaves, cassava, yam and plantain.
According to him, the farms, which provide direct employment to about 20 persons, have suffered at least five invasions by herders and cattle, leading to the destruction of crops and irrigation facilities valued at several millions of naira.
“Our farms have been invaded on at least five occasions. One hectare of cucumber was destroyed, another hectare of okra was ruined after cattle trampled through the farm, while a sophisticated irrigation system was damaged. Beyond the destruction of property, farm workers were chased away and, on one occasion, a herder allegedly pursued me with a cutlass,” he alleged.
The journalist said he petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, which led to the arrest and arraignment of one Abdullahi Yusuf, but lamented that his ordeal worsened during court proceedings on June 18.
He alleged that journalists from Pioneer Newspaper, Inspiration FM and XL FM were denied access to the courtroom despite presenting valid identity cards, while he was ordered out of the court by the presiding magistrate, Godwin Edemekong, without being allowed to explain that he was the complainant in the matter.
“What happened in the courtroom was not only a personal humiliation. It raised serious issues about judicial impartiality, the constitutional right to a fair hearing and freedom of the press. It also questions the transparency in judicial proceedings and the willingness of public institutions to protect law-abiding citizens who seek justice through lawful means,” Isine stated.
He further alleged that three police officers forcefully escorted him out of the courtroom after the magistrate refused to hear him despite appearing in obedience to the directive of the police prosecutor.
“I had done nothing to disrupt proceedings. I had not insulted the court. I had not disobeyed any lawful order. I had merely appeared in court in response to the directive of the prosecutor and in pursuit of justice regarding the destruction of my property. The humiliation was profound and very deep,” he added.
Isine called on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, to investigate the conduct of Magistrate Edemekong and officials involved in the exclusion of journalists and his removal from the courtroom.
He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association to probe the actions of the police prosecutor, Mr Blessing Essien, over alleged failures to properly communicate hearing dates and developments in the case.