Anambra State Government Suspends Waste Management Company Over Alleged Assault

The Anambra State Government has suspended the activities of waste management company Salitz International Ventures following an alleged assault on former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Akaneme Okechukwu.

The suspension, announced in a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra Ministry of Environment on behalf of the state Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu, is intended to allow for a full investigation into the incident which took place on October 11, 2024 in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The statement with the caption, ‘Suspension of operations pending investigation’, was addressed to the managing director of the company.

The statement 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.

“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 affirmed that the government has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards human rights abuses in the discharge of official duties.

Oyenike Oyeniyi