By Karen James
In an effort to promote cleanliness and hygiene in Onitsha, particularly around Upper Iweka, Mr. Ejike Odife, the Unit Coordinator for Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade), has stressed the importance of maintaining clean and healthy environments. He has also warned residents of the mobile court and other penalties that await those who violate the state’s health and safety laws.
Specifically, Odife cautioned against indiscriminate waste dumping, trading along main roads, and open defecation, stating that anyone caught engaging in these activities will be arrested, prosecuted, and face appropriate penalties. He advised both residents and visitors to Anambra State to use designated public conveniences for urination and defecation, emphasizing that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
Odife, who oversees areas such as Borromeo Roundabout, Upper Iweka, Niger Bridge-head, Ogbaru Local Government Area, and Onitsha Owerri Road, explained that the warning is necessary to inform the public, especially road users, of their responsibilities and to help them avoid penalties. He dispelled the misconception that defaulters are only fined, stating that they are taken to the mobile court where their penalties are determined according to the law, regardless of their status. Odife emphasized that everyone is treated equally under the specified law.
The Ocha Brigade has been fully empowered by the Anambra State Environmental Health Law to enforce these rules and aims to keep the state free from environmental hazards. Odife noted that it is no longer business as usual in Anambra State and that everyone must comply to maintain law and order.
In conclusion, Odife expressed his appreciation to Governor Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR for his transformative efforts within the state and for rescuing it from lawlessness. He also commended Chief Celestine Anere, the Ocha Brigade Director, for his dedication to ensuring that the brigade meets its expectations.
