Native administration leaders in Blue Nile State have filed a lawsuit against the State Minister of Agriculture for giving a 90 year lease of some land to the Jatropha Company.

Omda Khalid Madeni, one of the native administration leaders, told Radio Tamazuj that they opened a case against the State Agriculture Minister allegedly for humiliating them.

The traditional leader further said the minster had ordered security agents to arrest four native administration leaders following the arrival of the American envoy in Damazin.

In late February, several native administration leaders who wanted to meet a visiting American envoy were immediately summoned and detained by local authorities before being released on Wednesday.

The four leaders were arrest in order to stop them from presenting a petition to the visiting American envoy, according to the omda.

Khalid pointed out that they would sue the minister for smearing their reputation. He confirmed that they have the evidence that the State Agriculture Minister has leased some land for investment purposes.

In December, several Blue Nile leaders submitted a petition to the presidency addressing a number of issues including a land sale in the state by the local authorities in the state.

Related:

Traditional leader arrested after petitioning US diplomat in Blue Nile (26 Feb.)