By Maryam Gulma in Lokoja.
Governor Yahaya Bello of kogi state has prohibited traditional rulers in the state from signing land approvals and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O ) saying that only the executive governor that will sign CofO.
He gave the order during Stakeholders Sensitization Meeting with Traditional Rulers at the Government House, Lokoja to deliberate on issues concerning Consent Letter and Community Development Agreement.
Bello said that the state must key into federal government policy and pronouncement on the recent revoke of some miners licences by it, because they are portfolio investors.
While appreciating the traditional rulers for their cooperation and understanding during his tenure, he urged them to have complete control over their domains, stressing that they must know all the occupants of their land.
The governor noted that there were several illegal mining of gold, coal, lithium in the state, adding that if mining was channelled properly, it would make the state government financially independent
According to him, after mining, the place usually become haven for criminals, pointing out that some criminals hid under the guise of miners to initiate youths into several criminal activities.
Governor Bello reminded the royal fathers that land is one of the greatest factors of production , stressing that safeguarding it becomes necessary.
He urged the traditional rulers to have comprehensive list of activities taking place in their lands and waterways and collaborate with proper government offices in the discharge of any land related activities.
Bello advised the incoming government to sign a new law that would be stiff on miners and ensure that “before you take any mineral from Kogi, you must pay tax.”
In his address of welcome, Bashir Gegu, Commissioner of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, said the royal fathers hold the key to the success or failure of the economy and security administration of the state, adding that they operate at the grassroots and interact closely with the people.
“Therefore, they remain the frontline of stakeholders in the business of economic building and security coexistence in every community,”he said.
The commissioner said that the ban on the traditional rulers from issuance of consent letters to mining investors without clearance from the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources was to address the effect of environmental degradation associated with illegal mining activities and security challenges.
