…Says OCHA Brigade Carried Out Governor Soludo’s Directive
Anambra state Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu has reacted to the news reports that he ordered security personnel to shoot and beat up illegal sand miners at Ebenator.
Engineer Odimegwu maintained that
neither him nor his ministry sent security operatives to Ebenator community.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Odimegwu stated that Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) acted in strict compliance to the directives of Governor Chukwuma Soludo against illegal sand mining by sending their officers accompanied by officers of Anambra vigilante group to the illegal sand mining site.
The Commissioner used the opportunity to remind ndi Anambra especially local government council chairmen that government suspended illegal sand mining in the state and whoever must mine sand in the state must obtain approval from the governor.
” Ebenator community landmass is ravaged by serious erosion. Two years ago, Governor Soludo in his magnanimity approved the control and reclamation of a section of the erosion which had developed in the community and the government is working to further approve the control and mitigation of phase two of the reclamation and mitigation of erosion in the town”
” Due to the loose nature of the Anambra soil, the Governor few months ago suspended illegal sand mining activities throughout the state and set up a sand mining reform committee in that regard. Whoever will be granted approval to mine sand in the state must go through proper scrutiny by the committee after which the committee will send its report the Governor who will give the final nod to mine”.
” So, in line with the directive of the Governor to OCHA brigade, the Agency mobilized AVG personnel to stop individuals who were reported illegal mining of sand in the area against government directive.
” Unfortunately, some individuals locked the entrance gate against the AVG personnel which prompted them to break the barricade and gain access to exit. The situation is completely under control and there’s no cause for alarm”. Odimegwu explained.
ANN recall that the case of Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, a journalist and former Chairman of Onitsha Chambers of Commerce, was specifically handled by the Governor Soludo
As a Government that prioritize the protection of life and property of its citizens, Anambra State Government announced its undertaking to pay the twenty million naira (N20m) medical bill of Akaneme.
The Solution Government of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has gained the trust of ndi Anambra by rising to the occasion when the need arise and has continued to make that the state is liveable and conducive for all.
