The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has urged the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Chukwu, to review a recently announced environmental law before enforcing it in Abakaliki, the state capital.
According to a circular released by the Ministry of Environment, individuals caught disposing of refuse outside the designated hours of 5 am to 8 am would face a hefty fine of N100,000.
In response to this directive, Deacon Onyibe Jeremiah, the secretary of CDHR in Ebonyi State, issued a statement highlighting concerns about the practicality and fairness of the new regulation.
"We have taken note of a circular from the Ebonyi State Ministry of Environment, announcing a fine of N100,000 for individuals who dump refuse outside the hours of 5 am to 8 am. We find this directive problematic for two primary reasons," Jeremiah stated.
"Firstly, the stipulated hours coincide with the time when most residents are preparing for work and managing household responsibilities, making it impractical for many to comply. Secondly, the imposition of such a substantial fine without prior sensitisation or public education is unfair and contrary to the 'People's Charter of Needs' mantra of His Excellency, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Governor of Ebonyi State."
Call for Public Education Before Enforcement
The human rights group emphasized that laws should be implemented in a manner that supports and educates the public rather than penalizing them without adequate awareness.
"Given the literacy levels in our state, it is essential to ensure that all Ebonyians are properly informed about the law before its enforcement. Laws should guide and protect citizens, not unduly punish them," the statement added.
CDHR called for a more inclusive approach and urged the Ministry of Environment to embark on a comprehensive sensitisation campaign to educate residents on the new policy before enforcing penalties.
"By taking this approach, the government can promote environmental responsibility while upholding the rights and dignity of citizens," Jeremiah concluded.
The new environmental law comes as part of efforts to improve sanitation in Abakaliki, but residents and rights groups are concerned about the implementation approach and the significant financial burden the fine would place on average citizens.
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