Political commentator, Eneh Victor Chigozie, has accused Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, of deceiving Oba youths over the continued detention of celebrity dibịa, Akwa Okuko.
Chigozie, in his reaction, recalled that during Soludo’s reelection campaign rally in Oba on Thursday, the youths of the community knelt down and pleaded with the governor to forgive and release Akwa Okuko.
In his response, Governor Soludo had told the youths that the matter was already before the court, and that he had no powers to order his release. He further explained that only at the end of the trial could the youths approach him for a possible state pardon, should Akwa Okuko be convicted.
But Chigozie faulted Soludo’s statement, insisting that the governor deliberately misled the Oba youths.
“Despite the fact that the matter is before the court, the governor still has the power to release Akwa Okuko if he so wishes. The State Department of Public Prosecution, through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, can at any point discontinue the case. Once the state withdraws, the court will have no option but to hands off,” he said.
He stressed that the governor ought to have been more straightforward with the people by admitting he has the legal authority to intervene but prefers to allow the accused dibịa to defend himself in court.
Chigozie also faulted Soludo’s allegations that Akwa Okuko misled Anambra youths with “fake charms, oke ite, ego mbute and bubu yayaa claims,” saying such accusations should be tested in court.
He urged the state government to ensure accelerated hearing for Akwa Okuko and others in detention so that justice can be dispensed fairly and speedily.
