The Amaonye community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has reaffirmed its support for a mining firm –Greenfield Metals Limited, debunking social media reports against the firm.
The community in a peaceful rally: by men, women and youths drawn from its various villages, declared readiness to collaborate with the firm in exploring solid mineral resources in the area.
The protesters debunked a social media report alleging that the firm and some community leaders were undermining the family on whose land, the mineral deposits were discovered.
They described the allegations as false, misleading and allegedly sponsored by rival mining interests bent on discrediting both Greenfield Metals and the Amaonye community leadership.
Chief Joseph Chukwu, Traditional Prime Minister of Ishiagu, said the community had enjoyed peace for years until opposition emerged against the mining project for personal reasons.
“The decision to allow Greenfield Metals operate was reached through open consultations as majority of the community members gave the the firm clear mandate to commence work.
The Chairman of Amaonye Community, Mr John.Ndu, accused some individuals of attempting to sabotage the project because the company did not come through them.
“Greenfield Metals has already shown commitment to the community by providing solar street lights and the construction of an access road to farmlands.
“The claim that some families are sidelined is false as a process to register all landlords to ensure inclusiveness has commenced.
A Former Chairman of Amaonye community, Hon. Nnanna Ukpai said the mining process began as far as 2013 and followed due process.
“Greenfield Metals lawfully obtained community consent and the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.”
The protesting women and youth leaders expressed concern over alleged harassment of community leaders, calling for peace and uninterrupted operations by the company.
The community called on the Ebonyi State Government and security agencies to intervene impartially and cautioned against the spread of unverified information.
Chief Moses Ajah, one of those mentioned by the protesters in his reaction, insisted that journalists provide copies of the company’s valid licence and documentation on land ownership, in line with the Mining Act.
“Kindly obtain profile of the said land owners for the affected cadastral area.
“Please avail me formal interfaces with the relevant parties.”.
