Movement in Imo State without wearing of face masks has become a punishable offense, since the increase in coronavirus pandemic in the State.
The State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma had in compliance with the Federal Government’s new directive, and preventive measures made more stringent rules to combat the pandemic. Part of the rules was the establishment of mobile courts to try and prosecute defaulters.
Sources who monitored activities in Owerri metropolis yesterday gathered that the aim of the Governor may not only be for the purposes of combating COVID-19, but also for the generation of funds.
While defaulters were made to face severe punishment, others mandatorily paid N200 as penalty on the spot.
Another twist was a situation where offenders after escaping the mobile court hammer still complied with the fine.
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Furthermore, receipts to this effect bearing government house logo and stamped were issued at the spot of payment.
In an interview with one of the victims, Mr. Emegharaibe Declan, he confirmed the incident, saying that such is not commendable.
The 36-year-old man opined that if truly the government wants to fight the virus just like every other State, it should be taken seriously with punitive measures, rather than collecting money.
Mr. Emegharaibe further said that it was all government plan to raise IGR and not necessarily against coronavirus.
In a related development, men on green uniforms were sighted at strategic places in the state capital, apprehending defaulters.
Those of them seen were in black Taxi Imo bus moving around to apprehend those without face masks.
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