By Sunny A. David
Traditional chiefs numbering about 20, mainly Awka kingmakers led by Chief Austin Ndigwe, (Ike Obodo Awka) have waded into the brewing crisis following the brutal attack on one of the drivers of GUO Transport Company Limited by Governor Charles Soludo’s aide.
They begged him profusely to pardon their son, Mr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, ACTDA whose escorts attached to his office reportedly battered G. U. O Transport Company driver.
Vigilante operatives acting on behalf of Onuko and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC attached to his office had last Friday descended heavily on the GUO bus driver whose name was simply given as Obum at UNIZIK Temporary Site Junction, Awka for allegedly overtaking Onuko’s convoy dangerously along the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway.
They attacked the driver with machetes and have him beaten to stupor that left him presently hospitalized, video of which went viral.
The Chiefs decked in full traditional regalia arrived Chief Okeke’s residence at GRA Onitsha with a giant ram, drinks and kolanuts.
After introductions and exchange of pleasantries, leader of the team, Chief Ndigwe told Chief Okeke that the Awka Community was in his home in full capacity to plead on behalf of their son, Ossy Onuko to tamper with mercy.
Three other cabinet chiefs including a former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Kene Molokwu also joined in appealing to Chief Okeke to forgive and forget, adding that they were even ready to offset the driver’s hospital bills.
Responding, Chief Okeke commended them for the visit even and condemned outrightly brigandage and molestation meted on citizens and residents of the State by government agents in the name of revenue drive.
He told them that having retired and handed over the management to his children, the matter was already beyond him as the company from Lagos office has already pushed out petition to that effect.
Chief Okeke also disclosed that the incident would have generated widespread protests and demonstrations because many interest groups both within the South-East, other parts of Nigeria and the diaspora including USA and UK were already spoiling for a showdown if not that he prevailed on them to sheath their swords.
He also warned individuals and groups against recklessness and acts of brigandage particularly when they find themselves within the corridors of power noting that such acts has adversely affected business and the economy in Anmbra State because many don’t come to Onitsha to source their goods anymore.
Chief Okeke stated that as a man of peace, he can make further sacrifices for peace to reign if government will do their own part.
“All I want in Anambra State is peace. Once the government takes care of touts and those who brutalise the citizens so that traders can operate in a free atmosphere devoid of fear, I can agree not to push this matter further.
“If this is the sacrifice I can make, my family and my company to end molestation of people in Anambra State so that people can come to Onitsha and other parts of Anambra State and buy what they want without fear of attack, then I agree”, Chief Okeke stated.