Gov. Bello Prohibits Royal fathers from issuing consent letters to illegal miners in Kogi

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has prohibited all traditional rulers from issuing consent letters without approval by the government and the existing consent letters will be reviewed.

He also added that the federal government has revoked some miners' licences because they are portfolio investors, stressing that, Kogi State must key to the federal government policies and pronouncement.   

He made these statements during the Stakeholder Sensitization Meeting with Traditional Rulers on Issues concerning taking Consent Letter and Community Development Agreement at government house in Lokoja Thursday evening.

While appreciating the traditional rulers' cooperation and understanding during his tenure, he charged them to have complete control over their domains, stressing that, they most know all the occupants of their land.

The governor said there are several illegal mining of gold, coal, lithium which if channelled properly, will make the state government financially independent .

He said that after mining, the place became a safe haven for criminals elements causing havoc in Kogi State.

He said" Some activities are not of benefit to society. Some criminals hides under the guise of miners, ending up arming young children and initiating them into several criminal activities".

Governor Bello reminded the Monarchs that land is one of the greatest factors of production ,therefore, safeguarding it is necessary. 

Continuing, Governor Bello, "If caution is thrown to the wind, you' will become an alien in your land. Some communities are already completely displaced. Am urging the royal fathers to have a comprehensive list of activities taking place in their lands and waterways. They should also collaborate with proper government offices in the discharge of any land related activities".

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Governor Bello admonished the incoming government to sign a new law that will be stiff on miners, adding that, before miners take any mineral from Kogi State, they must pay tax to develop the community and it environs.

Earlier in address, the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Abubakar Bashir Gegu said the royal fathers hold the key to the success or failure of the economy and security administration of the state.

While stressing that the monarch they operates at the grassroots of the society and interact closely with the people, Gegu said" The traditional rulers remains the frontline of stakeholders in the business of economic building and security coexistence in every community. 

"Traditional rulers are banned from issuance of consent letters to mining investors without clearance from the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources.  

"The decision was to address the effect of environmental degradation associated with illegal mining activities coupled with security challenges. Another issue of concern is the Community Development Agreement CDA. This law states that, before any company commences mining, it has to submit statutory environmental documents mandatory for operation such as, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental processing, Rehabilitation programme, and Community Development agreement".

Responding on behalf of other traditional rulers, the Obaro of Kabba, Chief Solomon Owoniyi, said the partnership is timely as there are illegal miners all over the place, adding that, they have been causing alot of security challenges in Kogi State.

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