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Reps Invite Dele Alake, DG Mining Cadastre Over Illegal Mining
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office to appear before it.
Chairman House Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering, Rep. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem gave the directive at the resumed hearing of the Committee on Wednesday.
He said: “Inspite of the friendly approach to some MDAs, particularly the two governments organisations that are central to this exercise: Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, didn’t give much desired willingness to receive the Committee.
“However, the Committee has directed the Secretariat to write the minister and DG of Nigeria Mining Cadastre to appear before the Committee on a scheduled dates for each of the two organisations, if possible with EFCC and other anti-graft agencies”.
The Chairman said that as part of its responsibility, the committee will pay working visits to all MDAs covered by its mandate; physically inspect all mineral exploitation centres; invite a number of selected MDAs and put its findings to report back to the House.
According to him, the Committee was mandated to among other things, “conduct a comprehensive investigation into the scale, patterns, actors and modalities of illegal mineral exploitation across the Federation, with a view to identifying causes, consequences and extent of associated revenue.
“Examine the operational roles, effectiveness and challenges of security agencies deployed to mineral-bearing areas-particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mining Marshals, and other relevant formations-and asses their capacity to secure mining sites and protect national assets.
“Investigate the security implications of illegal Mining activities, including their links to Organised crime, communal conflicts, environmental degradation, and threats to national stability.
“Undertake an appraisal of the legal and regulatory framework governing mineral exploitation in Nigeria, with a view to identifying gaps, overlaps and enforcement deficiencies and make recommendations for legislative amendments or new enactments where necessary.
“Probe the financial flows associated with illegal mineral extraction, including mechanisms through which proceeds are laundered, concealed or transferred and identify roles of individuals, networks and institutions in facilitating such illicit transactions.
“Interfere with relevant agencies-including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Security Agencies, State governments, traditional institutions, and licenced mining operators-to obtain submissions, documents, data and expert opinions.
“Assess the adequacyof current Anti-Money Laundering measures within the solid minerals sector and recommend strengthened oversight mechanisms, compliance standards,and enforcement actions to curb illicit financial flows.
“Recommend strategies to block revenue Leakages, enhance transparency in mineral value chains and ensure that, the exploitation of mineral resources contributes maximally and legitimately to national development.
“Conduct public hearings and stakeholders engagements to gather evidence, facilitate transparency, and build national consensus on measures to address illegal Mining and it’s attendant security and financial risks.
“Submit a detailed report to the House within the stipulated time frame, containing findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for legislative, policy, administrative and security interventions.
“Perform any other functions as may be assigned by the House in furtherance of this mandate”.
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PHOTOS: FCT Minister, Wike, inspects ongoing construction of Interchange Bridge, Road linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi with Gwarinpa today
The Minister of FCT today inspected ongoing construction of Interchange Bridge, Road linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi with Gwarinpa today
The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike today, Friday inspected ongoing construction of Interchange Bridge, Road linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi with Gwarinpa.
The project is titled; Full scope development of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III with Two Interchange Bridges at N16/RRII and N16/RIII intersections.
The portion from RRI to Arterial Road N20 (Solomon Lar Way) within Katampe District was developed and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to mark 2nd year Anniversary of his Administration.
The portion from N20 to RRII is being developed under Jahi District Infrastructure Project, leaving the undeveloped portion from RRIII to Arterial Road N40 to link the road that leads to the Renewed Hope Estate in Karsana Districts.
The portion of this Arterial Road N16 under reference traverses the Gwarimpa Housing Estate and this segment of the road when developed will provide access to the Gwarimpa Housing Estate located within Bunkoro and Wupa Districts as well as Sector Center E which is the hub of commercial and social activities comprising group of four districts namely; Gwarimpa II – C03, Kafe – C05, Wupa – C15 and Bunkoro – C18 Districts in Phase III of the Federal Capital City.
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The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule, on Friday gave reasons why he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, told the lawmakers on Friday.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for some programmes embarked upon by his administration that have benefited Nigerians, especially Rivers people.
According to the Speaker, his defection would enable him to partner with President Tinubu for the overall good of the Rivers people.
Amaewhule said, “Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce to honourable members that your Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.
“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress.”
Amaewhule defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday.
Others who dumped the PDP were the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).
Also included were Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
Since returning to civil rule in 1999, the PDP has maintained a tight grip on the oil-rich Rivers state, until the protracted crisis rocked the state, which pitched the lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The crisis led to the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by forces allegedly loyal to Fubara as well as the attempted moves to impeach the governor by the lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Worried by the development, President Bola Tinubu waded in to douse the tensions and declared a state of emergency on March 18.
The emergency declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the lawmakers.
At the expiration of the exercise, he reinstated Fubara, his deputy and the lawmakers on September 17.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday.
Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Amaewhule defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday.
The House of Assembly is currently in session with the defectors blaming their departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the crisis in the party.
Others who dumped the PDP were the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).
Also included were Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
Details shortly…
PHOTOS: FCT Minister, Wike, inspects ongoing construction of Interchange Bridge, Road linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi with Gwarinpa today
“Why I dumped PDP for APC “- Rivers Speaker, Amaewhule
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