By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, yesterday, signed an Executive Order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining across the state.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the executive order was signed at the Council Chambers, Government House, Gusau to stop one of the worst trends in the fight against banditry.
The statement explained that the order has banned all consent letters for mining, saying that it includes consent letters to individuals, companies, or organisations for mining activities.
Governor Lawal, while signing the order, reiterated that the decision was made due to the severe dangers posed by the rampant issuance of the consent letters.
According to him, “Today, in my administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity, I signed an executive order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining across the 14 local government areas of Zamfara.”
He added that as the Attorney General rightly stated, the mining activities in Zamfara have been identified as a significant factor contributing to the worsening security situation of the state, especially the menace of banditry.
As a responsible government, the statement added that it is crucial that the government takes decisive action to resolve the issue of illegal mining operations that have been contributing to the crisis, stressing that the signing of the executive order is an effort of taking all necessary steps to rectify the problems bedeviling the issuance of consent letters, which have been recklessly abused.
He prayed Almighty Allah to guide them as they serve and safeguard the lives and properties of the people.
