By Ifeizu Joe
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has given conditions under which he can release detained native doctors, Chigozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko.
Millionaire native doctor, Chigozie Nwangwu, who is popularly known as Awka Okuko was arrested in February this year on allegation of promoting get-rich-quick syndrome, preparing charms for criminals and deceiving youths into believing charms can bring wealth without hard work.
Nwangwu and two other colleagues of his, Eke Hit from Okija and Onyeze Jesus from Nkpor were also arrested. The trio have been standing trial since then, and are being detained.
Soludo was however approached during a campaign rally at Oba community by youths of Oba in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State where Nwangwu hails from.
The youths called for his release, insisting that he was a shining star among them, but a defiant Soludo gave conditions for his release.
Soludo said: “You are asking for the release of Akwa Okuko, but I want to say that we have forgiven all those who trespassed. I know where you are going, but I wish it was in my hand to forgive and release him.
“What I will tell you is that there is a process. There is a process for me to follow, and there is a process for the court to follow too. Where we are now is the process for the court.
“Akwa Okuko is not the only one being held. You know I don’t paint word. Someone said he is your cherished son, but I will tell you that the man you are talking about derailed our youths. I’m here in Oba to tell you so. He deceived people, scammed people and we must say the truth.
“It is after saying the truth and you accept it that you can now beg for forgiveness, and we will consider it.
“What he is doing is not what Oba is known for. What we want to do is to cleanse Oba and bring it to its lost glory. Oba is known for hard work, not fast money.
“You have a role to play to help cleanse the society of drugs, kidnapping, fast money and all. We will cleanse Oba and the first stage is that when we find out someone is doing the wrong thing, we arrest him. Now they are undergoing court trial. So now that we arrested and handed them to police, our hands are off it. The person will go through the process and if acquitted, he will go home. But if convicted, he will be sentenced.
“What you should be asking for is pardon. You can not grant pardon when court is still undergoing process, so we must let the court do their work. If I go into it, then I will be interfering in court processes. But for now we will let the court do its job.
“It won’t be fair for me to just jump in and grant him pardon, what if court later says that he is not guilty? You must understand these things. What we should be praying for is speedy trial, and if he is found guilty and convicted, after that, your leaders can meet with me. I will host you at the Light House and we will sit and talk about it and now know if to grant him pardon if we have to,” Soludo told them.
