Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has issued an Executive Order prohibiting all forms of scavenging activities across the nooks and crannies of the state.
In a statement made available to journalists in Yola, the state capital, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Thursday, Fintiri also directed the security agencies in the state to immediately enforce the ban.
The governor, who vowed to empower the security operatives to search and detain violators, stated that individuals who attempt to obstruct the enforcement of the directive or bribe officials to evade punishment will also be mandated to face prosecution under the relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Adamawa State Penal Code Law of 2018.
“Offenders found guilty of violating the Executive Order will be subject to a prison sentence of up to six months, a fine of ₦100,000, or both,” he stated.
The governor, who announced that the order is a clear message to all scavengers and those involved in similar activities, said the State government is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens.
He said, “We will take swift action against anyone who compromises these values. We urge all citizens to support the government in its efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
“This Executive Order is a clear message to all scavengers and those involved in similar activities. The Adamawa State Government is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens, and we will take swift action against anyone who compromises these values. We urge all citizens to support the government in its efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.”
The order, as noticed by The Guardian, targets individuals who derive joy from engaging in scavenging, which is also defined as rummaging through waste or participating in activities that create a public nuisance or health hazard.