Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has signed an Executive Order prohibiting scavenging across Adamawa State, effective Wednesday, August 14, 2024 and shall remain in force in all 21 Local Government Areas of Adamawa State until further notice.
In a statement posted on his social media handle on Wednesday, Governor Fintiri warned that violators will face severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or both.
For the purpose of this Order, “scavenging” means the act of rummaging through waste or engaging in any activity that constitutes a nuisance or health hazard.
The Order warns that any person who engages in scavenging commits a criminal offense and shall be liable to arrest and prosecution.
Security agents operating in the State are empowered to search and arrest any person who violates this Order.
The Order adds that any person who circumvents or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of the office of the Governor, hides or offers cash or subverts the course of execution in any way shall be prosecuted in line with the provisions of Section 5(2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and the Adamawa State Penal Code Law, 2018.
Therefore any person who violates this Order is guilty of an offense and shall be liable to:
– Six months imprisonment
– A fine of 100,000
– Both imprisonment and fine
“This Executive Order serves as a strong warning to all scavengers and those who engage in such activities. The Adamawa State Government will not tolerate any actions that compromise the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens; violators will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. We urge all citizens to cooperate with the government in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.” The Governor said.