Sanitation law nullification: Edo complies, to challenge judgment

Edo State government says it will respect and comply with the recent judgment delivered by the state High Court, which nullifies the Edo State Sanitation and Pollution Management Law No. 5, 2010.

 
In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, noted, “The government is aware of the Judgment in Suit No. B/460/2014 in the case of Johnson Osagie Igbinedion and Another vs. Edo State House of Assembly and 6 Ors, recently delivered by the High Court of Edo State in which a declaration was made, nullifying the Edo State Sanitation and Pollution Management Law No. 5, 2010.”

 
Ogie said, “The state government and its lawyers are currently studying the pronouncement and also making effort to obtain a certified true copy of same.”

 
He maintained that “in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), as amended, the Edo State Government intends to challenge the said decision at the appropriate Appellate level.”
He assured that “in the interim, Government intends to respect and comply with the pronouncement of the court concerning the said law.”

 
The SSG further said to exercise its primary duty of ensuring an orderly and decent society and to prevent a catastrophic collapse of public health and sanitation system, “it is the intention of Edo State government to continue to enforce all other unrepealed statutes and provisions relating to public health, nuisances and sanitation as currently provided for in the following laws: the Public Health Law; the Criminal Code; the Bye-laws of the different Local Government Councils in Edo State; and the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law relating to nuisances.”

 
He urged all citizens to continue to be law abiding, particularly on matters that affect sanitation, cleanliness, health and decent living of the generality of the people.