By Jude Atupulazi
The Anambra State Government has set up COVID-19 Law Monitoring and Enforcement Task Force charged with the responsibility of operationalizing enforcement of the newly signed Anambra State Covid-19 Law.
Rising from a meeting of the Committee on Tuesday, 16th June, 2020, the Secretary to Anambra State government (SSG), Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, said Governor Willie Obiano had at the last meeting of the State Executive Council, which held on Monday, 15th June, 2020, expressed shock that many citizens disobeyed the COVID-19 safety protocols like wearing of protective face masks, washing of hands with soap, maintaining social distancing and avoiding crowded places.
Professor Chukwulobelu said the Committee which comprised representatives of the state government, including the SSG; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Special Adviser to the Governor on Creative Security/MD; Anambra State Fire Service; Special Adviser to the Governor on Security; Commissioner for Transport; representatives of security agencies, including correctional services; the police; Civil Defence; OCHA Brigade; and ATMA, had been mandated to begin the enforcement immediately.
Said he, ‘The COVID-19 Law Enforcement Task Force has already begun its work. Mobile courts to try offenders have been set up in these locations; Onitsha (2 units), Idemili North, Awka South (2 units) and Nnewi. Offenders on conviction will have the option of paying N10, 000 fine or they will be committed to community serve or both.’
Professor Chukwulobelu also warned those who walked around the streets of Anambra without wearing protective face masks to get ready for the consequences.
‘No offender will be spared. People should do the right thing and wear protective face masks,’ he concluded.
