By Hauwa Ali
There have been several reactions from residents as Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA secured jail terms for two environmental offenders.
The offenders who were arraigned at the Oshodi mobile court earlier in the week,were convicted on Thursday.
One of the offenders was arrested around the Lekki axis of Eti-osa LGA by LAWMA monitoring and enforcement, personally supervised by the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, for burning waste, while the other was arrested by the team for dumping refuse into my the drainage during rainfall.
While the former was remanded at the correctional center pending the bail condition, the latter was sentenced in two count charges; 1 year imprisonment with option of 50,000 naira fine, 1 month imprisonment without option of fine.
There have been mixed reactions about the conviction among residents on twitter as some people believe that the conviction was harsh while others applaud LAWMA for taking actionto punish offenders.
“Sending a first offender to jail over waste seems harsh plus it will be difficult for their families during this economic hardship. Community sentence, mandatory wearing of proper Waste management dress for public to see might inform the public better. Pleading,..…” commented @TheBOOTParty
“Good job…..my concern is the first count charge 50,000 is small compare to what he did. The law should be reviewed.” Commented @AdeolaJoseph
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“Na capital punishment? Àbí make dem cut him neck? The convinctions are a good way to slap their wrists. He will come out reformed never to dump refuse in drainage again. Now lawma is taking the fight to defaulters, they also need to work more on the pspoperators.” commented @Omoosun100
“LAWMA need more undercover agents at locations citizens turn to dump sites. It can be a steady source of IGR till people get sense.” Commented @BA7_3AN
Some others have also called on the government’s to improve waste management services to be prevent such from repeating itself.
“In as much as I appreciate you for punishing the wrong doings I will also want the government to make sure waste bin and disposable trucks are available. Also the waste management should pick wastes as at when due this will reduce or curb some ungodly behavior.” Commented OlanrewajuOnifade@DrivingschoolDl
Some others have also adviced the government to take education,enlightenment and sensitisation programs seriously, instead of imprisonment and should make offenders clean drainages as punishment.
“While I will commend you for doing your job, please I will reiterate Enlightenment , Education, and sensitization, kindly remove financial punishment or imprisonment but make them clear and clean most of the drinages for at least a month especially where they were caught.” Commented sir Oluwasegun@baltimoreGE
“He should also be made to wear @Lawma_gov uniform and clean public spaces around his area. That way it can deter other people from engaging in such.” Commented TemitopeOgunweide @Tpaeyne
“That is good. The one month should be spent with LAWMA to clean drainages.”
