In a recent development, the Anambra State Government said it has suspended the activities of a waste management company, Salitz International Ventures, over an alleged assault on a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Akaneme Okechukwu.
This is contained in a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Environment, Tochukwu Obodogha, on behalf of the Commissioner, Felix Odumegwu, and made available to journalists in Awka on Tuesday.
The suspension, according to Obodogha, was to allow for a full investigation to be carried out on the alleged assault on Akaneme, which reportedly took place at the victim’s residence in Onitsha on October 11, 2024.
The statement with the caption, ‘Suspension of operations pending investigation’, was addressed to the managing director of the company.
It read, “In light of recent compelling viral reports concerning an unfortunate incident involving Akaneme Okechukwu, a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, who was brutally assaulted and injured by your operatives on Friday, October 11, 2024, the Anambra State Ministry of Environment has initiated a comprehensive investigation.
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“Consequent to these circumstances, this letter serves to suspend all operations of Salitz International Ventures with immediate effect pending the full investigation’s outcome.
“Require your full cooperation with the ongoing investigative proceedings.
“Inform you that the Anambra State Waste Management Authority has been directed to temporarily suspend your waste management operating licence, pending the outcome of the investigation.”
He pointed out that the state government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of human rights abuse in the discharge of official duties by any of its agents.
The Eagle Online earlier reported that Anambra State Government condemned the alleged brutalisation of the former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Okey Akaneme, by officials of the state Waste Management Agency and police officers.
The state government disclosed further that it has commenced an investigation into the alleged brutalisation.
Speaking on the incident, the state Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odumegwu, on Monday, noted that while the government does not condone assault, preliminary findings suggested that ASWAMA officials may not be responsible.
“The Anambra state government does not condone assault or touting of any kind and if any government agent is found culpable, he will face the consequences.”
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