By Passman Akpos
The Bayelsa State Government has slammed an outright ban on all unauthorized and illegal mining activities in communities across the state, issuing a stern warning to traditional rulers and community leaders who have been secretly entering into agreements with illegal miners.
Governor Douye Diri announced the ban during a stakeholders’ townhall meeting on Monday in Yenagoa with traditional leaders, top government officials, and representatives from Southern Ijaw, Brass and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Diri described the illegal mining of “black sand,” also known as silicon, in communities such as Foropa, Agge and Die-ama as “a dangerous threat” to both the environment and the health of residents.
Illegal Miners Declared Unwelcome
The Governor ordered the immediate stoppage of all ongoing mining operations, especially by miners from outside the state, stressing that no MoUs between communities and mining firms would be recognized unless they have government approval.
> “People from outside the state are illegally mining silicon or black sand in our communities without authorization, and that has to stop forthwith,” he declared.
He warned that any monarchs or community leaders found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted. Illegal mining, he stressed, not only breaches environmental laws but also poses serious security concerns while depriving the state of legitimate revenue.
Secret MoUs Outlawed
Condemning reports of communities entering into secret agreements with mining firms, Governor Diri said all such documents already signed are null, void and of no effect.
> “Government is angry with those communities for signing agreements without consulting the relevant government institutions. Every MoU already signed without approval is invalid,” he said.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben-Ololo, further emphasized the need to obey existing laws regulating mining activities, noting that the State House of Assembly has provided clear procedure guidelines.
Leaders Express Support
Traditional rulers and community leaders in attendance hailed the government’s intervention, pledging support for enforcement. Among those who spoke were:
HRH Olabai Olozulu (Foropa)
HRH Baratuaipre Amaene, Chief Forcebray Eketekpe (Odioma)
Contributors including High Chief Briggs Omubo, Mr. Tobins Okiri, and Mr. Theodore Allison also commended the move.
High-Level Presence
The meeting was attended by key government officials including:
Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere
Deputy Speaker, Chief Michael Ogbere
Lawmakers Hon. Sele Ben and Hon. Timi Omubo-Agala
Secretary to State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei
Top commissioners, local government chairmen, security chiefs, environmentalists and traditional rulers.
