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Environmental Pollution: FCT establishes more courts for effective trial of offenders
Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) says it has established 13 extra mobile courts for mass trial of defaulters in the FCT.
Mr Braimah Osilama, Director of the board, said this in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of the AEPB, Mrs Janet Peni, on Thursday in Abuja.
Osilama said that the mobile courts were initially eight in number but have been increased to 13, adding that the essence of the establishment of the courts was to enhance the trail of any defaulter as another round of mass trial of defaulters of waste service charges commenced in the various mobile courts established.
In his words, “The need to deal with several cases in a relatively shorter period of time has prompted the increase in the number of the mobile courts from eight to 13, as approved by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr Olusade Adesola, to enable us to deal with more cases at every given time.”
Osilama said that apart from revenue drive, they are using the mobile courts to deal with all forms of environmental violations.
“Residences and individuals without waste bins or the required waste bin type or size will be charged to court. We cannot keep the city clean without appropriate containerisation of wastes,” he said.
Osilama highlighted other environmental violations such as failure to construct required toilets, damaged toilets, and connection of stormwater to the street.
He said that such situations that violate environmental laws are also being addressed by the board, especially noise pollution.
The director, who decried the high increase of noise pollution in the FCT, said that the board had received numerous complaints from residents who can no longer bear the noise.
“We have received numerous complaints from various residents who cannot sleep in their houses because of noise emanating from parks, gardens and nightclubs.
“Night club owners have been told to soundproof their buildings, as those who violate the acceptable decibels required in the city will be charged to court,” he warned.
Osilama said that the courts are the available alternatives designed to recover revenue for services being rendered by the board.
He called on the residents to always pay their utility bills to avoid unnecessary embarrassment, adding that the board is committed to prosecuting any offender.
He noted that the permanent secretary has been having a series of meetings with some software companies with the aim of developing appropriate billing software and handling a comprehensive enumeration of property in the territory.
“Hopefully, before the end of this year, most of the gaps such as inaccurate billing, double billing and payments not reflecting, will be plugged.
“That is when we have the required software to handle the situation,” he said.
The statement also quoted the Head, Legal Unit of AEPB, Mrs Cecilia Makoji, as saying, that in the ongoing court sitting so far, about 3,900 summonses have been served.
“Of this number, about 1,200 full payments have been made so far, and 1,100 part payments made, while about 1,600 seal up orders have been given,” she said.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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