Anambra govt enforcement agent set to Establish Mobile Courts To try Offenders

By Tobias Ekirika.

The enforcement arm of the Anambra state government, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, also known as OCHA Brigade, has said it would establish mobile courts around the state to ensure that traffic and sanitation offenders, etc are speedily tried and punished according to the law.

Comerade Celestine Anere, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency gave the hint during a chat with newsmen in Awka, the Anambra state capital.

Anere noted with concern that residents had remained adamant on their refusal to do the right thing, despite the agency's efforts to maintain a healthy state.

He said that in no distant time, the agency would have mobile courts to try sanitation offenders, adding that those found guilty would be punished according to the law establishing the brigade, to act as deterrent to others.

"The purpose of the mobile court is to ensure that punishment is handed down to the offender to serve as deterrent to others, who would want to continue committing similar offences," he said.

He enumerated the duties and responsibilities of the OCHA Brigade in Anambra state to include ensuring a clean, healthy, and livable environment, primarily through road decongestion and the enforcement of environmental sustainability policies. 

He said the agency is also tasked with curbing roadside trading, maintaining orderliness, and ensuring adherence to government directives regarding cleanliness. 

"The OCHA Brigade actively works to remove obstacles and maintain traffic flow on roads, especially in areas like Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, as well as major markets, residential areas and flashpoints. It enforces policies related to environmental sustainability, including removal of wastes and illegal activities that pollute the environment. 

"The agency works to ensure that trading activities are conducted within designated areas and not along the roads, preventing congestion and maintaining a clean environment. The brigade's actions are guided by the directives of the Anambra state government, aiming to create a healthy and safe environment for all citizens. 

"The brigade plays a role in maintaining order and ensuring that public spaces are kept free from clutter and obstructions. In some cases, the agency has also been involved in providing assistance during emergencies, such as medical evacuations. 

"The OCHA Brigade is responsible for enforcing state regulations related to environmental cleanliness and order. They're also involved in removing illegal vendors, seizing goods displayed inappropriately, and ensuring compliance with cleanliness standards. The brigade's ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for Anambra residents by promoting a cleaner, healthier, and more organized state," he said.

According to him, the brigade's efforts are part of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo's broader vision to transform Anambra into a model state for cleanliness. He said that the agency has not even carried out a quarter of its legal mandate; saying that in no distant time, it will unveil more of its activities and programmes. He said that maintaining a clean and healthy state forms part of the integral effort towards achieving the Dubai-Taiwan state, which Governor Soludo promised in his manifesto.

He regretted that most of the times, when an offender is arrested, such offender would call a prominent person, who will plead on his behalf to be freed. He said that majority of such big men, who request that offenders should not be punished do travel to Europe, America, etc and that they see what healthy environments look like, yet, they would not cooperate with the agency to carry out their legitimate duties.

Anere ceased the opportunity to warn personnel of the agency, who he said engage in unethical behaviors such as extorting money, beating or using excessive force on citizens and residents to desist from doing so. He warned against unethical conducts while on duty.