The Cross River State Government has constituted a seven-member committee to investigate complaints raised by Giant Cement Company Limited against the State Task Force on Illegal Mining Operations.
The committee, headed by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Simeon Abi, was constituted by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ededem C. Ani, Esq., pursuant to a directive by Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
Inaugurating the committee, Thursday, Ani outlined its terms of reference and directed the State Task Force on Illegal Mining Operations to suspend further actions relating to Giant Cement’s complaints pending the outcome of the investigation.
He further directed the task force to refrain from interfering with mining activities except where there is clear evidence of illegality, in line with the Governor’s directive.
The seven-member committee comprises representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Federal and State Ministries of Mineral Resources, the State Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Ani said the committee was expected to examine the issues raised, clarify the respective responsibilities of the stakeholders and provide a basis for resolving areas of concern within the framework of the law.
The Attorney General assured legitimate investors in the mining sector of the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where lawful businesses can operate without undue interference.
He said the administration remained committed to the lawful regulation of the sector while protecting legitimate investments and ensuring that mining activities were conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Ani, however, warned persons engaged in illegal mining activities to desist forthwith, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
By Mary Oben
