The Abia State House of Assembly (ABSHA) has expressed its disapproval of the Nigeria Police's approach to sanitation efforts, particularly at the Umuahia Central Police Station and the Area Command.
During the September session of the exercise on Saturday, Kalu Mba Nwoke, Chairman of the Abia State House of Assembly's Environment Committee, made this announcement and also saying he noted a greater level of compliance this month compared to last month.
“I observed a noticeable increase in compliance compared to last month.
“However, I remain concerned about some state transporters who continue to violate Abia State sanitation regulations.
“On a positive note, I commend the residents of Umuahia for their efforts and adherence to the guidelines during this month's sanitation exercise."
“However, I was dismayed by the behavior of the Nigeria Police at the Umuahia Central Police Station, as they are renting a private bus to arrest defaulters”, he said.
Nwoke accused the police of accepting bribes from offenders.
“Regrettably, instead of taking offenders to the mobile sanitation court established by the Abia State Government, the police are taking them to their stations.
“There, they demand bribes ranging from N10,000 to N25,000, depending on the defaulter's ability to negotiate, before releasing them”, he added.
The Abia lawmaker stated that funds collected from offenders should be deposited into the state’s coffers to boost Abia State’s Internally Generated Revenue, rather than being pocketed by security personnel.
Also, the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, represented by Rev. Joseph Udechukwu Ukachukwu, the Director of Environment, stated, “Many police officers are acting as escorts for various passengers.”
He however expressed concern over the frequency with which some state transporters violate Abia State sanitation regulations, but commended Umuahia residents for their compliance during this month’s exercise."
In response, Abia State Police Public Relations Officer Maureen Chilaka stated that the command would provide the appropriate guidance after investigating the issue.
On Saturday, eighty-three (83) individuals were arrested in various locations across Umuahia, Abia State, for violating environmental sanitation laws.
The arrests were made by the Task Force team of the Abia State government during the September edition of the monthly cleanup. Some offenders were apprehended at their business premises during the cleanup hours, while others were taken off the streets.
They were taken to a mobile court convened at the Abia State High Court premises in Umuahia, presided over by lawyer Onyinyechi Chinenye Ibekwe.
