By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Bayelsa State Government has imposed a total ban on all unauthorised and illegal mining of mineral resources across communities in the state.
The government also issued a stern warning to community leaders allegedly entering into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with illegal miners, insisting that such practices must stop immediately or attract sanctions. It declared any existing agreements as null, void, and without effect.
Governor Douye Diri made this known on Monday during a town hall meeting in Yenagoa with community leaders, senior government officials, and other critical stakeholders from Southern Ijaw, Brass, and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Diri condemned the illegal mining of ‘black sand’, also known as silicon, in Foropa, Agge, Die-Ama, and other coastal communities by miners from outside the state. He described the activity as a dangerous threat to both the environment and public health.
The governor ordered an immediate suspension of such operations statewide and further placed an embargo on communities entering into MoUs with companies for mining activities without prior government approval.
He noted that while his administration continues to promote an enabling business climate for both local and foreign investors, it would not permit ventures that jeopardise the security, wellbeing, and environment of the Bayelsa people.
According to him, paramount rulers and other community heads who defy the directive will be arrested and prosecuted in line with existing state laws. He emphasised that illegal mining violates environmental regulations, poses security risks, and denies the state legitimate revenue.
Speaking further, he said: “The state has recently witnessed a development we find unacceptable. In Ekeremor, Brass, and Southern Ijaw LGAs, people from outside the state are illegally mining silicon or black sand without government authorisation, and that must stop forthwith.
“It is dangerous to both the environment and human health. We have seen how unchecked illegal mining in the North contributed to banditry. We will not allow that in Bayelsa.
“Some communities have already signed MoUs with these illegal miners. Government is angry about these unauthorised agreements.
“All such agreements are immediately suspended, and any MoU already signed without government approval is invalid and of no effect.”
Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben-Ololo, also urged communities to comply with the existing law passed by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly guiding mining operations and requiring proper government authorisation.
The paramount ruler of Foropa, His Royal Highness Olabai Olozulu; his Die-Ama counterpart, His Royal Highness Baratuaipre Amaene; and the CDC Chairman of Odioma, Chief Fforcebray Eketekpe, lauded the government’s intervention and pledged their communities’ support.
Other contributors included the Regent of Okpoama Kingdom, High Chief Briggs Omubo; Mr Tobins Okiri; and Mr Theodore Allison.
The meeting had in attendance the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; the Deputy Speaker, Chief Michael Ogbere; Hon. Sele Ben (Southern Ijaw Constituency 4), and Hon. Timi Omubo-Agala (Brass Constituency 2).
Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; commissioners, local government chairpersons, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and environmental experts.
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