Amaonye Residents Rally Behind Greenfield Metals, Reject Allegations from Rival Interests
Ruth Ewa
Amaonye community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has reaffirmed its support for Greenfield Metals Ltd, dismissing allegations circulating on social media against the mining firm. The position of the community was made public on Sunday when men, women and youths staged a peaceful march across villages in Amaonye, declaring readiness to partner with the company in the exploration of solid mineral resources in the area.
The protest followed claims by a social media critic, Chika Nwoba, who accused the company and some community leaders of undermining the family on whose land the mineral deposits were discovered. Protesters described the allegations as false, misleading and allegedly sponsored by rival mining interests bent on discrediting both Greenfield Metals and the Amaonye leadership.
Speaking during the protest, Joseph Chukwu (High Chief), Traditional Prime Minister of Ishiagu, said the community had enjoyed peace for years until opposition emerged against the mining project for personal reasons. He said the decision to allow Greenfield Metals to operate was reached through open consultations, stressing that the majority of the community gave the company a clear mandate to commence work.
Chairman of Amaonye Community, Ndu John, accused some individuals, including Arc. Moses Ajah, of attempting to sabotage the project because the company did not come through them. He said Greenfield Metals had already demonstrated commitment to the community through the provision of solar street lights and the construction of an access road to farmlands.
Ndu John also dismissed claims that some families were being sidelined, explaining that a process was ongoing to register all landlords to ensure inclusiveness. He insisted that no family was being undermined in the mining arrangement.
Former community chairman, Hon. Ukpai Nnanna Dennis, said the mining process began as far back as 2013 and followed due process. He maintained that Greenfield Metals lawfully obtained community consent and the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
Women and youth leaders expressed concern over alleged harassment of community leaders, calling for peace and uninterrupted operations by the company. Edward Obinna, Secretary of the community, said the disputed Ekubara land belongs to Amaonye people and that Greenfield Metals enjoys total support of the community’s leadership, youths and women.
The community called on the Ebonyi State Government and security agencies to intervene impartially and cautioned against the spread of unverified information. When contacted for his reaction, Moses Ajah requested that journalists provide copies of the company’s valid licence and documentation on land ownership in line with the Mining Act.
