No fewer than 60 persons have been arraigned before the Environmental Sanitation Mobile Court in Calabar, Cross River State, for violating laws guiding the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The offenders were apprehended during monitoring and enforcement operations carried out by officials of the Cross River State Ministry of Environment across various parts of the city during the May sanitation exercise.
Speaking after the exercise, the Commissioner for Environment, Obol Moses Osogi, represented by the Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Dien Ugumanim, commended residents for what he described as a high level of compliance. He noted that participation in the monthly exercise continues to improve, with several communities showing greater commitment to environmental cleanliness.
The commissioner particularly highlighted the improvement recorded at the 8 Miles Market area, which had previously been identified as a major hotspot for sanitation violations. However, he expressed concern over continued non-compliance by some traders and residents in parts of Marian Market.
At the Mobile Court sitting in Calabar, the accused persons were charged with failure to participate in the environmental sanitation exercise, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code of Cross River State. While some defendants pleaded guilty, others pleaded not guilty and were subjected to further legal proceedings. Some were discharged on health and work-related grounds.
Authorities reiterated that offenders risk fines ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence. Residents also urged members of the public to support government efforts aimed at maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.
The sanitation monitoring exercise covered major parts of Calabar Municipality, including Marian Road, Ikot Ansa, Murtala Mohammed Highway, Ikot Eneobong Market and adjoining communities
