Delta to prosecute violators of environmental laws, mobile court out in 21 days

Chairman imposes curfew on Udu council over cult clashes, killings

Residents of Delta State Capital Territory comprising communities in four council areas were issued a 21-day ultimatum to comply with the laws guiding residency and business activities on environmental sanitation or be tried by mobile court.

Director General of the Delta State Capital Development Agency, Mrs. Onyemaechi Mrakpor, issued the ultimatum to residents during a stakeholders meeting between the agency and business owners, as well as landlords in Asaba yesterday.The meeting focused on the new engagements on strict application of laws guiding activities in Asaba and its environs.

Mrakpor, who supported her argument with slides of the Delta State Environmental Law 2006, to further acquaint the stakeholders on the development, said: “Cities across the world that attract investors are those that have security and clean environments.” She ended her presentation on a note of caution to the residents, saying, “Landlords and owners of business premises on major roads and streets in the Delta State Capital will be given 21 days with effect from today to keep their environment clean.”

For the avoidance of doubt, it was also clarified that 21 days from today will expire on October 8, 2019.“Seven days from that date, the Agency will try defaulters with a mobile court that has already been constituted. The premises of defaulters will not only be sealed, they will also be made to pay fines and bear the cost of tidying up their environments,” she added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Jite Brown, has imposed a dust-to-down curfew on the council following rising waves of insecurity from activities of cultists in the area.The curfew is coming on the heels of the alarm raised by leaders of Ovwian Community following unprecedented cult related killings, armed robberies and arson in recent times.

Beginning from Wednesday, September 18, 2019, the curfew will last from 9pm to 6am daily.A statement by Secretary to the Council, Mrs. Elohor Awinoron, revealed that the decision was reached at the end of a Peace and Security meeting with the District Police Officer (DPO) and other security chiefs.

The council chief explained that the curfew affected all commercial vehicles including Keke NAPEP and Motor Bikes, stressing that any commercial vehicle, tricycle and Okada found operating after 9pm or before 6am daily would be impounded and the operators made to face the full weight of the law.

Brown said the ban covered Ovwian, Ekete Inland, Ekete Waterside, Owhase, Orhuwhorun Junction, Express Junction and Mofor Junction all in Udu. He warned that security agencies have been put on red alert to enforce the directive, adding that all peace loving and responsible citizens of the council are expected to comply with the curfew.The statement warned cultists and their groups to stop their nefarious activities in their own interest so as to foster peace and stability in the socio-economic life of the council area.