The House of Representatives has received a petition concerning alleged illegal mining activities in Imobi autonomous community, Achara Uturu, in Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State.
The petition was presented on the floor of the House by the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal constituency, Amobi Ogah, who also hails from Uturu.
The petition, written by the traditional ruler of Imobi autonomous community, Eze Simeon Chukwuemeka, accused a private firm and some individuals in the community of allegedly facilitating unlawful quarry operations in the area.
According to the petition, the firm reportedly obtained a quarry lease license from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office in Abuja, covering nine cadastral units of mining land in the community.
However, the monarch in the petition , alleged that the consent letter used to secure the license was signed by individuals who were neither landowners in the area nor authorized representatives of the community.
The traditional ruler further alleged that one of the signatories falsely presented himself as the paramount ruler of the community, despite not holding any recognized traditional title.
The petition also stated that the community had earlier written to the Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office and other authorities, challenging the legality of the license and calling for its revocation. Despite these complaints, the quarry lease was reportedly granted.
The petition warned that allowing the mining operation to proceed under the disputed circumstances could create tension within the community and potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Presenting the petition, Amobi Ogah urged the National Assembly to intervene and ensure that due process is followed in the allocation of mining licenses, while protecting the rights of host communities.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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