A Nigerian-born medical doctor, Matthew Bernard, faces a potential $1 million fine after he and his partner allegedly cut down 38 protected trees on their property and surrounding areas without required permits.
The incident, which occurred between 2021 and 2022 on an undeveloped plot along Claremont Avenue in Oakland Hills, has sparked heated debate among Oakland City Council members and environmental groups.
According to reports, the trees were removed from the couple’s land, public property, and neighbouring areas.
Environmental advocates are pushing for the maximum penalty, arguing that the action caused significant environmental damage and set a dangerous precedent if left unpunished.
Bernard, who moved to the United States in 2001, told the council that he acted on the advice of an arborist who warned that some trees posed wildfire risks.
He claimed they tried to comply with regulations but disputes arose over the lack of permits.
During a council hearing on Tuesday, the matter took a racial turn when Councilmember Carroll Fife defended Bernard, suggesting it would be unfair to heavily penalise a Black man for actions that she claimed white residents had previously done without consequences.
“I have to express my confusion about how a Black man should be the first to receive consequences for things that white people have been doing for centuries,” Fife said.
Her position was criticised by another council member, Janani Ramachandran, who called the racial argument “offensive” and stressed that healthy oak trees are generally fire-resistant.
The council remained divided after votes on the $1m fine and a reduced $411,000 penalty both ended in ties. The final decision has been deferred to a future meeting on May 5, 2026.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com