Uzodimma Orders Prosecution Of Taskforce Operatives
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has mandated the arrest and prosecution of any individual operating as or in the guise of the state Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) or any other taskforce in the state.
Governor Uzodimma instructed the police not only to apprehend but also to prosecute such individuals for engaging in criminal activities, applying the full extent of the law.
This directive follows the suspension of ENTRACO’s field operations due to a series of fatal incidents resulting from confrontations between ENTRACO officers and the public.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Honourable Declan Emelumba, Commissioner for Information, Strategy, and Public Orientation, revealed that the governor has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the activities of ENTRACO and associated task forces.
The statement reads: “His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has sanctioned the immediate and indefinite suspension of all field operations of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) and any related task force until further notice.
“Henceforth, any individual or group operating under the guise of ENTRACO or task force in any capacity shall be held accountable for criminal conduct and subjected to the full force of the law.
“Accordingly, His Excellency has instructed the Commissioner of Police to arrest and prosecute with precision anyone found operating under the name or guise of ENTRACO, as well as members of any other task force engaged in harassing and intimidating Imo citizens.
“Additionally, His Excellency has ordered a thorough investigation into the activities of ENTRACO and related task forces. Those found culpable will face the full severity of the law, irrespective of their identity.
“The government encourages the people of Imo to present evidence of any legal violations by ENTRACO operatives and their agents to the police and members of the forthcoming investigative panel, the composition of which will be announced shortly.”
