Abia Govt Blasts Security Agencies Over Interference in Environmental Sanitation Drive

Abia Govt Blasts Security Agencies Over Interference in Environmental Sanitation Drive

The Abia State Government has expressed strong disapproval of certain security agencies in the state for undermining efforts to enforce environmental laws, calling on them to respect and support the enforcement of the Abia State Basic Environmental Sanitation Law.

The government emphasized that individuals caught violating environmental regulations must be duly prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It reiterated that security personnel must hand over environmental offenders to the Sanitation Mobile Court, where they can face the appropriate legal proceedings.

This sharp rebuke follows a dramatic incident during the August sanitation exercise, when a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) clashed with officers from the state’s Vigilante Service at the FMC Junction in Umuahia. The confrontation, which nearly escalated into violence, was only quelled after a quick intervention from the Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF), supported by the Army, Police, Immigration, and other security agencies.

Addressing the matter after monitoring todays sanitation exercise, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, urged all security agencies to help ensure a clean and safe environment by fully supporting the state’s sanitation initiatives.

He also condemned reports of security officers allegedly detaining or extorting defaulters, warning that such actions violated state laws.

According to Mr. Oriuwa, the NSCDC officer involved initially engaged in a verbal dispute with Vigilante Service officers, only to return with reinforcements to further confront the state security forces. The situation was quickly defused through the combined efforts of the various agencies.

Despite the incident, the Commissioner praised the overall compliance observed during the sanitation exercise but issued a stern reminder to traders across the state to adhere to environmental regulations. He emphasized the importance of voluntary participation in sanitation efforts, urging citizens to embrace the cause rather than waiting for enforcement.

Also Speaking Hon. Kalu Mba-Nwoke, the Member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Ohafia South, condemned the conduct of the NSCDC officers stationed near Golden Guinea Breweries. He reminded them that their role was to support, not hinder, the state’s environmental efforts.

He also suggested that the altercation could have been avoided had the NSCDC officer introduced himself properly to the Vigilante members.

Contributing Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Environment, voiced concern over the behavior of market women during the exercise.

She called for a more cooperative attitude towards sanitation, urging the women to take a leading role in keeping their environments clean.

Professor Iheukwumere also appealed to the youth to channel their energies into positive environmental activities rather than engaging in distractions during the exercise.

The Abia State Government remains committed to fostering a clean and healthy environment for its citizens, with a continued focus on public cooperation and the rigorous enforcement of sanitation laws.

In total, 63 defaulters were apprehended during the exercise. Ten individuals were pardoned on health and age grounds, while 53 others were prosecuted in line with the Abia State Basic Environmental Law.