The House of Representatives has received a petition concerning alleged illegal mining activities in Imobi Autonomous Community, Achara Uturu, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. The petition was presented on the floor of the House by the Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah.
The petition, written by the traditional ruler of Imobi Autonomous Community, Eze Sir Simeon C. Chukwuemeka (KJW), Imobi IV, accused Limei International Company Nigeria Limited and some individuals in the community of allegedly facilitating unlawful quarry operations in the area.
According to the petition, the company reportedly obtained a quarry lease license from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office in Abuja covering nine cadastral units of mining land in the community. However, the monarch alleged that the consent letter used to secure the license was signed by individuals who were neither landowners in the area nor authorized representatives of the community.
The traditional ruler further alleged that one of the signatories falsely presented himself as the community’s paramount ruler, despite not holding any recognized traditional title, noting that such consent letters should have been signed by the rightful landowners and the community’s recognized traditional authority.
The petition also stated that the community had earlier written to the Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office and other authorities, challenging the legality of the license and calling for its revocation. Despite these complaints, the quarry lease was reportedly granted.
In addition, the community disclosed that its legal representatives had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Umuahia seeking redress over the matter.
The petition warned that allowing the mining operation to proceed under the disputed circumstances could create tension within the community and potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Presenting the petition, Hon. Amobi Ogah urged the National Assembly to intervene and ensure that due process is followed in the allocation of mining licenses, while protecting the rights of host communities.
The House of Representatives subsequently received the petition and referred it to the appropriate committee for further investigation and necessary legislative action.
Community leaders expressed hope that the intervention of the National Assembly would help address their concerns and ensure justice in the matter.
