Akaneme: Onitsha Chamber wants culprits prosecution, as Anambra Government promises to bankroll medical bills

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By Alphonsus Nweze, Onitsha

The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has called on the Anambra State Government and the State Police Command to immediately arrest and prosecute those who inflicted spinal chord injury on their former president, Mr Okey Akaneme.

Addressing journalists in Onitsha, the president of the chamber, Sir Augustine Ibeme, reminded the State Government that the culprits in the dastardly act were still walking about freely.

“We therefore request for the immediate prosecution of these officials as this will in the minimum serve as a deterrent to contractors and government agencies” said Sir Ibeme.

Akaeneme., a former president of Onitsha chamber was on October 11,2024, inflicted with severe spinal chord injury by some revenue agents of ASWAMA and Police men who attempted to forcibly take him to Central Police Station (CPS), Onitsha.

Since then Akaneme has been taken to various hospitals including the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu and currently in a private hospital where he is bring treated

The Chamber however, lauded the decision of the State Government to defray the medical bills of Akaneme which has already ran into millions of naira.

Sir Ibeme said this has been their advocacy since Akaneme was injured , appealing for immediate release of fund as latest information from the hospital revealed the deterioration of his condition, with bills mounting.

Hence, he said, the urgent need to transfer Akaneme to a better medical facility that would be recommended by medical experts.

He said due to Governor Chukwuma Soludo ‘s compelling desire to increase the Ease of doing business in the State, the State Government must eradicate recurring incidents of their officials acting beyond their mandate as well as illegal operation by some revenue agents.

ONICCIMA also thanked the media, right activists, OPS, members of the society who helped to bring this despicable act to the front burner which compelled the appropriate authority to take action.