Onitsha Chamber Of Commerce Commends Governor Soludo For Supporting Brutalized Ex-President

The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has lauded Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for committing to cover the medical expenses of its former President, Okey Akaneme, who was allegedly brutalized by officials of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) and police officers.

The decision was reached during the 37th State Executive Council meeting after a fact-finding team visited Akaneme at the hospital in Enugu, where he has been receiving treatment since the incident on October 11, 2024. The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, announced the resolution.

Calls for Expedited Action

During a press conference in Onitsha, the ONICCIMA President, Augustine Ibeme, expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his intervention but emphasized the urgency of releasing the funds to cover the mounting medical bills.

Ibeme also advocated for transferring Akaneme to a more advanced medical facility based on expert recommendations, citing concerns about his deteriorating health.

Accountability and Deterrence

Ibeme further called for the immediate prosecution of the ASWAMA officials and police officers involved in the incident, stressing that holding the perpetrators accountable would deter future misconduct by state officials and revenue agents.

“In view of Governor Soludo’s administration’s compelling desire to increase the Ease of Doing Business in the state, the government must eradicate recurring incidents of officials acting beyond their mandate or engaging in illegal operations,” he stated.

Incident Recap

Akaneme was reportedly attacked at his residence on Obi Lane, America Quarters, Onitsha, over unpaid sanitation fees. The assailants, identified as ASWAMA officials and two policemen from the Onitsha Central Police Station, inflicted injuries that required intensive medical care.

Appreciation for Public Support

Ibeme extended ONICCIMA’s gratitude to various stakeholders, including media houses, bloggers, human rights activists, and private sector players, who amplified the issue and ensured it received attention from relevant authorities.

Way Forward

The Chamber reiterated its commitment to partnering with the state government to ensure an enabling business environment and called on authorities to prevent further overreach by government agencies.

This incident has underscored the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration to uphold the rights of citizens while fostering economic development in Anambra State.