The Anambra State Government has suspended the operations of Salitz International Ventures, a waste management company, following allegations of assault on Akaneme Okechukwu, a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture.
A press statement issued on Tuesday, signed by Tochukwu Obodogha, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra Ministry of Environment, on behalf of Commissioner Felix Odumegwu, confirmed the suspension. The action is to allow for a thorough investigation into the alleged assault, which reportedly took place at Okechukwu’s residence in Onitsha on October 11, 2024.
The statement, titled ‘Suspension of Operations Pending Investigation,’ was addressed to the managing director of Salitz International Ventures.
The statement reads, “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.”
“As a result, this letter serves to suspend all operations of Salitz International Ventures with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the investigation,” the statement continued. “We require your full cooperation with the ongoing investigative proceedings. The Anambra State Waste Management Authority has been directed to temporarily suspend your waste management operating license, pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Obodogha emphasized that the state government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of human rights abuse, particularly when committed by agents of the government in the course of their duties.
