Obono-Obla Blames LGA Chairmen for Rising Illegal Mining, Faults Leadership Failure in Cross River
By Ekanem ASUQUO
Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has taken a swipe at local government chairmen in Cross River State, accusing them of negligence and failure to protect their communities from the growing threat of illegal mining.
Obono-Obla, who served as Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property under former President Muhammadu Buhari, condemned the alleged invasion of Mkpot community in Etung Local Government Area by armed illegal miners reportedly engaged in unlawful gold extraction.
In a statement on Tuesday, the legal practitioner and community leader described the situation as a reflection of weak local governance and lack of vigilance among council leaders across the state.
“The situation in Mkpot could have been swiftly contained if the Chairman of Etung Local Government Area had been more present and responsive to developments in his area,” Obono-Obla said. “Sadly, this pattern of absentee leadership has become common in several LGAs across Cross River, creating loopholes that enable illegal miners to operate freely.”
He warned that unchecked exploitation of mineral resources not only threatens the ecological balance and safety of host communities but also undermines the economic interests of the state.
“It is imperative that the Ministry of Solid Minerals, the Cross River State Government, and security agencies act decisively to stop these unlawful operations and safeguard the rights of indigenous communities,” he stated.
Chairman of the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong Okon, confirmed awareness of the illegal mining incident in Mkpot but said no arrests had been made yet.
Residents of the community said the miners, believed to be from outside the state, arrived recently and began unauthorized gold extraction, sparking tension and fear among locals.
Illegal mining has previously been reported in Akamkpa, Yakurr and Biase Local Government Areas, but its spread to Etung has heightened public concern over poor local oversight and the growing environmental risks linked to the illicit trade.
Obono-Obla urged the state government to strengthen local monitoring mechanisms and hold council chairmen accountable for lapses that endanger lives, resources and the environment.
