The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has summoned the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Yakubu Kwanta, and the Managing Director of Multiverse Mining and Exploration PLC to appear before it on Monday, December 16, 2024.
The Commissioner is being called to account for his failure to appear before the House Committee on Housing and Environment to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget performance.
This action, the lawmakers assert, constitutes a blatant act of insubordination and undermines the powers and integrity of the House.
Similarly, the MD of Multiverse Mining is summoned over the company’s failure to adhere to its Community Development Agreement (CDA) with Abuni community in Awe Local Government Area and for creating hazardous environmental conditions in the area.
Speaker's Directive
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, issued the directive after Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, representing Keana Constituency, raised the issue during the House’s proceedings.
“This House operates on the rule of law. If His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, can appear before this House to present the budget, no Commissioner is above doing the same,” the Speaker emphasized.
He warned that failure by the Commissioner to appear would compel the House to take decisive action.
Lawmakers React
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Musa Ekye, Hon. Kudu Ajegana, and Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala, expressed frustration over the Commissioner’s attitude. They unanimously condemned his actions as disrespectful to the legislative institution.
The lawmakers also criticized Multiverse Mining and Exploration PLC for its disregard for the welfare of the Abuni community and its failure to comply with international mining practices.
Community Concerns
Hon. Omadefu, Chair of the House Committee on Housing and Environment, revealed that the ministry failed to honor multiple invitations to discuss its budget performance.
He also highlighted the environmental and social challenges faced by the Abuni community due to mining activities, urging the House to act decisively.
The summons underscores the Assembly’s commitment to accountability and its resolve to protect the interests of Nasarawa State citizens.
