The Cross River State Government has inaugurated a Special Environmental Task Force to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws and tackle environmental offences across the state.
The inauguration follows the dissolution of the previous environmental task force and forms part of the state’s renewed drive to strengthen environmental law enforcement, protect public health and promote accountability.
The task force, inaugurated on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu by the Commissioner for Environment, Moses Osogi, is expected to address indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal structures obstructing roads and walkways, roadside trading, and other environmental violations.
Speaking during the inauguration on Friday, Osogi said the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining a clean, healthy and habitable environment for residents.
He charged members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and fairness, warning them against abuse of office and the use of violence while carrying out enforcement duties.
“Let the law guide your actions. Be good ambassadors of the Ministry of Environment, Cross River State, and ultimately the Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu. Do not engage in any act that will misrepresent the ‘Season of Sweetness’ administration,” the commissioner said.
Also speaking, the ministry’s Legal Adviser, Daniel Ekpo, outlined the legal framework guiding the operations of the task force, stressing that environmental offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with extant laws.
He reminded members that their responsibilities must be carried out within the provisions of the law and in the public interest.
Chairman of the Special Environmental Task Force, Elemi Esebonu, thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in the team and pledged to uphold the highest standards of service.
He assured residents that the task force would work diligently to restore environmental sanity and ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations across the state.