Prof. Ofoegbu Cracks Down on Fake Clearance Certificates
By Adaobi Nsofor
To promote transparency and align with the Anambra State Government's mining agenda, the Office of the Chairman, Mining Reform Committee, has apprehended group of miners, who falsely claimed to be collaborating with the Mining Reform Committee while issuing unauthorized certificates to fellow miners.
Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, Chairman of the Committee, strongly condemned the unauthorized issuance of mining certificates, describing it as a criminal offense. He expressed dismay at the extent to which individuals will go to undermine the Anambra State Government's efforts, emphasizing that perpetrators must face justice.
Prof. Ofoegbu noted that his actions as Chairman are guided by the governor's directives. "Upon learning that a group of miners were impersonating my office by signing and issuing clearance certificates, I promptly alerted the MD of OCHA Brigade and the DSS, who swiftly responded to the situation.
"To engage in mining, each entity must operate independently. All activities must be conducted under a single person's or entity's name, as the law recognizes no exceptions. This means no single certificate can be issued to multiple individuals under the guise of a cooperative.
"I've emphasized this repeatedly: no mining company in Anambra meets the requirements fully. However, if you have at least 70% of the necessary requirements, come forward, and we'll provide provisional clearance. You'll have three months to fulfill the remaining requirements," he noted
He maintained that Anambra has the smallest landmark in Nigeria, and thirty percent of that small landmark is already occupied with erosions, flooding and illegal mining activities, which is not healthy for its citizens.
One of the arrested miners claimed they were unaware of the implications of their actions, having issued certificates to individuals under their cooperative. They pleaded for mercy, citing ignorance.
Following the intervention of the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resource, Mr Chidi Ibemeka the miners were instructed to provide a statement confirming that Prof. Ofoegbu had not authorized any certificate issuance beyond those approved by the state governor.
Mr Ibemeka emphasized the governor's commitment to reforming the revenue and mining sector, stating, that the governor prioritizes citizens' interests, seeking to eliminate loopholes.
The miners were cautioned, and their previously issued clearance certificates were suspended pending their commitment to proper procedures.
* Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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