- …Owners Kick
Jude Owuamanam
Managing Editor, Northern Operations
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has ordered the immediate shutting down of an alleged illegal mining company, Solid Unit Nigeria Ltd in Kampani Zurak village in Wase Local Government Area of the state.
The order followed the visit of the Governor, Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi, and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, to the site.
The governor, who expressed surprise at the activities of the company, said that the illegal miners will be prosecuted for breaching the laws of the land.
Speaking while on a spot visit to the site, the Governor said that he was not aware of the existence of the company and ordered the suspension of their operations pending full investigation.
The governor also ordered the arrest of some staff of the company and declared wanted the managing director.
However, the company has said that it was not engaged in illegal mining and its activities were fully licensed.
The company Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Adamu, expressed shockd that the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, the Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno could brand its activities as ‘illegal’, and vowed to fight on.
He said that the company was duly registered and its activities recognised by law
Adamu said, “We were duly issued with an exploration license in 2010 and the exploration was further renewed and it is still valid toll date.
“These documents showing SUNL is engaged in legitimate mining were issued by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Cadre Office.
“To our chagrin, the minister came on air without shame to say the company is engaged in illegal mining,” he said.
According to the company’s spokesman, it has never defaulted in revenue payments to warrant any sanctions.
“That company has been paying all revenues to the state, Wase LGA (where it is domiciled) and Kampani Zurak Development Association (its host community) till date and we have evidences to show,” Mr. Suleiman said.
He therefore demanded the release of the company’s staff arrested during the visit.
The company also declared as null and void the arrest order on its managing director.
