Governor Hope Uzodimma has directed the Commissioner of Police in Imo State to immediately arrest and prosecute anyone still operating under the name or guise of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) or any related task force.
The directive followed the governor’s decision to suspend all field operations of ENTRACO indefinitely after a fatal incident in Owerri linked to the agency’s enforcement team, which sparked public outrage.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, the governor said the state government will no longer tolerate any act of lawlessness, intimidation, or harassment of citizens by individuals claiming to represent ENTRACO or similar bodies.
“Henceforth, any person or group of persons operating in the name or guise of ENTRACO or task force in any form or manner shall be liable for criminal conduct and visited with the full weight of the law,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Governor Uzodimma also directed that a full-scale investigation be launched into the operations of ENTRACO and other task forces in the state. He said those found culpable of misconduct, extortion, or abuse of power will face strict disciplinary measures.
The statement further disclosed that the government is committed to restoring sanity and discipline to its enforcement mechanisms, stressing that no one has the authority to act on behalf of the state without proper authorization.
Emelumba added that residents who have evidence of wrongdoing or harassment by ENTRACO operatives or their agents should submit such information to the police and the yet-to-be-named investigative panel for proper action.
The commissioner assured that the Uzodimma administration is determined to ensure accountability and justice in the wake of recent events that have drawn widespread condemnation from the public.
He reiterated that the indefinite suspension of ENTRACO’s activities underscores the government’s resolve to protect the lives and rights of citizens while maintaining law and order across the state.
Full Text Of Press Statement
IMO STATE GOVERNMENT SPECIAL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS OPERATIONS OF ENTRACO INDEFINITELY, ORDERS INVESTIGATIONS
His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has approved 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 person or group of persons operating in the name or guise of ENTRACO or task force in any form or manner shall be liable for criminal conduct and visited with the full weight of the law.
Accordingly, His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest and prosecute with precision anyone seen operating under the name or guise of ENTRACO, as well as members of any other task force found harassing and intimidating Imo citizens.
In addition, His Excellency has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the activities of ENTRACO and related task forces. Those found culpable will face the full wrath of the law, regardless of who is involved.
The government encourages Imo people with evidence of any breach of the law by the operatives of ENTRACO and their agents to come forward to the police and members of the investigative panel whose composition will be announced soon.
Hon. Declan Emelumba
Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy
