By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Three Executive Orders have been signed into law by the Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir for good governance in the state.
The Governor appended his signature to the Orders presented to him by the Attorney – General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan EL Yaqub S A N at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House on Thursday.
The Bauchi State Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 is on Community and Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Security and Prohibition of Deforestation in Bauchi State.
By this Order, no Traditional or Community leader however known or called in the state shall issue any consent letters to any individual or corporate body for any excavation activity or enter into or sign any Community Development Agreements within the proscribed limits of this Order without the requisite approval of the State Government through the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The Offences are: Any individual or company found carrying out any activity(ies) that is against the provision of this Order or without due compliance with the relevant provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act shall be liable to punishment in line with section 60, Environmental Impact Assessment Act ( CAP.E12) LFN 2004.
Also, Any individual or company found carrying out any activity(ies) that is against the provision of this Order whose activity is not covered under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or fine which may extend to One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) or both.
Any person who obstructs, prevents, hinders or assaults any obstruction officer of the Mobile Court in the lawful execution of his duties Under this Order shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) or imprisonment for a term not less than 1 year, or both.
The Bauchi State Executive Order No.3 of 2024 is for the removal of illegal structures in the State stating that, “By this Order, the issuance of Permits along road corridors, green areas, right of way, utility areas or setbacks, in the State by any of the Ministries or Parastatals and Local Government Councils is banned and prohibited.”
It shall be an offence under this Order to: Obstruct, hinder or resist any authorized officer to carryout or execute his or her lawful duties, Without any excuse, refuse or willfully fail to comply with any enquiries on directives made by any officer or Task Force in accordance with the Order.
Also, Impersonate an officer or duties of the Board, Agency or Task Force’s Staff, attempt, aid, abet, process, consel or carryout any action which is tantamount to the enforcement of this Order.
Omit or commit any act that is inimical to free conduct, compliance and obedience to any provision of this order and afformentioned laws.
As a penalty, any person who fails to comply with the provision of this Order or afformentioned laws of which no specific penalty is provided, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a 3 months imprisonment or a fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira or both.
Shortly after signing the Orders, Bala Mohammed decllared that, “I will not hesitate to take strong measures against those who breach the law. I issue a stern warning that anyone found sabotaging the state’s security in any way will be dealt with rigorously, serving as a deterrent to discourage similar actions.”
The Governor further stressed that, “Today, I signed Three Executive Orders:
An Executive Order on Community and Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Security, and the prohibition of deforestation in Bauchi State.”
The other Orders are: An Executive Order to maintain a standard and Unified method of Measurement (Mudu) across the state as part of my leadership responsibilities and An Executive Order for the removal of illegal structures and buildings in the state’s road corridors, which have been encroached upon, posing security and environmental implications.
According to him, “As my administration remains committed to revamping the state’s security, building modern markets, and enhancing the welfare of our citizens, anyone found sabotaging or violating these laws will face the consequences.”
“I call for continued collaboration with stakeholders, specifically traditional institutions and religious groups. I also warn tree fellers and charcoal sellers to refrain from encroaching upon forests and trees, as my administration is resolute in addressing deforestation,” he added.
The Governor stressed that,”Therefore, collective contribution is essential. #GreaterBauchi.”
On the illegal structures, the Governor said that Government has identified over Fifty different places within Bauchi metropolis and environs where all those affected would be relocated to in order to continue their businesses without hindrances.
He therefore requested for continued support and understanding by the people of the state stressing that his administration means well for the development of the state to an enviable status in the country.
