|By Chinwendu Nwani
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of weaponizing the Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) to unleash violence on residents.
The party’s outcry followed the recent demolition of the Toronto Junction Market in Owerri North Local Government Area, which reportedly left many traders injured and their goods destroyed.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, the PDP alleged that ENTRACO, under Uzodinma’s watch, has “metamorphosed into a terrorist organization in disguise.” The statement condemned what it described as brutal enforcement operations carried out by the agency, claiming that its officials now arm themselves with cutlasses, bottles, and other weapons to assault motorists and traders.
“What happened along Toronto/MCC Road, as captured by CCTV, is nothing short of terror,” Obiaku stated. “We watched as men, armed with dangerous weapons, pounced on citizens. This is not enforcement—it is violence.”
The opposition party reminded the state government that ENTRACO was established in 2008 under former Governor Ikedi Ohakim to beautify the environment, clean drainages, and plant trees—not to intimidate citizens. It lamented that the agency has since deviated from its original mandate since the appointment of its current chairman, Mr. Anyahie.
“Instead of cleaning and beautifying the state, it has become a daily nightmare for motorists, traders, and small business owners,” PDP said.
The party also questioned why ENTRACO has assumed the duties of the Imo State Traffic Management Agency (ISTMA), which already exists by law to handle traffic violations.
Citing a recent protest by Naze youths over the alleged killing of one of their members by ENTRACO operatives, PDP accused the government of fueling lawlessness and indirectly encouraging cultism and banditry.
“If nothing is done to rein in ENTRACO, the situation may spiral into uncontrollable chaos,” the party warned, urging the governor to “stop the Commission from harassing innocent traders struggling to earn a living.”
The PDP urged the state government to retrain enforcement officers and adopt a humane approach to policy implementation.
“Imo people want a clean and orderly city, not one ruled by fear,” the statement added. “ENTRACO must return to its core duty—environmental transformation, not intimidation.”
