Akaneme Brutality: Catholic Priest, ONICCIMA Urge Soludo to Prosecute ASWAMA, Others

Demands for the prosecution of Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) revenue agents who allegedly brutalized the incumbent Basilica Laity Chairman and former President of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), Mr. Okey Akaneme, have intensified.

The agents reportedly broke Mr. Akaneme’s spinal cord during the incident.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Edwin Udoye, Executive Director of Justice, Development, Peace, and Caritas (JDPC), Archdiocese of Onitsha, has called on the Anambra State Government to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators are held accountable.

The JDPC is closely monitoring the situation, hoping that the state government will take necessary actions to bring the culprits to book.

In a statement in Onitsha on Wednesday, Fr. Udoye frowned at the incessant brutalization of citizens by revenue touts and contractors who operate under official government cover to dehumanize citizens.

He emphasized that government did not send anyone to kill or maim, but rather, the recklessness and brutal nature of the operatives, who may not have been trained in revenue collection, were to blame.

Also on Wednesday, members of ONICCIMA condemned the actions of the revenue agents and expressed regrets that despite collaborative efforts between the Chamber, the state government, and the police to address the incident, the culprits were still walking free.

President of ONICCIMA, Sir Augustine Ibeme, who chaired a media briefing, requested the immediate prosecution of the officials involved, emphasizing that this would serve as a deterrent to other contractors and government agencies.

The Chamber urged the Anambra State Government to arrange for the immediate release of funds to cover Mr. Akaneme’s mounting medical bills, as his health continues to deteriorate.

The Chamber also requested an urgent decision to transfer Mr. Akaneme to a better medical facility, as recommended by medical experts.

“In view of Governor Soludo’s administration’s compelling desire to increase the Ease of Doing Business in the state, the government must eradicate the recurring incidences of officials acting beyond their mandate, as well as illegal operations by some revenue agents,” the Chamber stated.

The Chamber thanked all stakeholders, including the media, organized private sector, and others who have shown concern about Mr. Akaneme’s plight and called for continued support.

Other members of ONICCIMA who condemned the incident include Mr. Chinedu Nwonu, Director General; Mr. Stanley Anyadufu; and Mr. Okey Anene, among others.

It would be recalled that Mr. Akaneme was also the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Onitsha Federated Chapter.