- The Imo State government has refuted claims that it is imposing fines on residents using solar panels or generators, calling the reports false and misleading.
- Commissioner Declan Emelumba stated that the government is focused on providing a 24/7 power supply and has no policy against alternative energy sources.
The Imo State government has officially disproved recent news reports alleging that it is imposing fines on individuals using solar panels or generators within the state. Declan Emelumba, the State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, condemned the false reports as a deliberate attempt to damage the Imo State government’s reputation without basis.
Emelumba emphasised that while the Imo State government is committed to ensuring environmental safety, it has never considered levying fines or sanctions on residents who utilise solar panels or generators. The Commissioner pointed out that the misleading narrative circulating on social media appears to be a mix-up, combining information from Imo State with policies from another region that impose such regulations.
“The publishers of this mischievous story have not been able to attribute their claims to any official statement from the Imo State government because no such policy exists here,” Emelumba stated. He clarified that the report inaccurately mentioned a fine of two million Naira imposed on a bakery, Nneoma Bakery, for environmental infractions accumulated over three years. However, the report lacked specific details and was not grounded in any factual basis.
Emelumba further explained that the Imo State government focuses on enhancing its power infrastructure rather than penalising residents for their energy sources. The state is actively working towards providing uninterrupted power supply across Imo State, which is a priority over monitoring alternative energy sources like solar panels or generators.
“Our efforts are directed towards achieving 24/7 power supply for our residents,” Emelumba said. “We are not concerned with who uses solar panels or generators. The goal is to ensure everyone has reliable electricity without disruptions.”
He urged the public to disregard the misleading story and reassured residents that the state government has no intention of imposing fines on individuals using alternative energy sources. The government remains committed to transparency and will continue to focus on its development goals, including improving power supply and infrastructure.
The Imo State Commissioner’s statement aims to clarify any confusion and prevent the spread of false information that could undermine the government’s efforts and its relationship with the public.