“This is not how we imagined the government of Soludo” —Barr. Peter Ekwueme condemns Onitsha killings by Soludo’s Ocha Brigade

I received with heavy heart and sadness, the heartbreaking news of the killing of four innocent citizens, including a pregnant woman, at the Onitsha Main Market, Emeka Offor Plaza axis, allegedly by operatives of the government-backed OCHA Brigade. I also watched the video of a lady bleeding from head and later gave up the ghost and I must say that I am heartbroken and utterly disappointed by the Soludo led APGA government.

The number of deaths of innocent citizens of Anambra recorded so far under this administration is beyond disturbing and these menacing killings from Udogachi to Aka Odo, and now Ocha Bridge, shows the recklessness with which this government has handled the affairs of our dear state. The news of these killings that happen almost every week now is entirely frustrating for Anambra citizens of good conscience and regardless of our political affiliations we must speak truth to power because human life is sacred and we must not politicize the lives of Ndi Anambra. Ndi Anambra, it’s one too many deaths!

I also learnt that the sporadic shooting that led to the loss of these precious lives was during the enforcement of state taxes. These bogus and arbitrary imposition of levies by the state government masked as “taxes” is nothing short of mere extortion of Ndi Anambra as its been established that these “taxes” do not consider empirical audit of tax payers income, expenses etc.

The state government must consider relaxing some of these exorbitant levies given the general state of the nation’s economy and the level of impoverishment of our dear citizens of Anambra; more so given that the state’s federal allocation has increased in the recent months.

This is not how we imagined the government of Soludo and APGA. These standards are far from impressive. I urge Governor Soludo and APGA to treat Ndi Anambra with more empathy, kindness and respect, it is the fair and right thing to do. Our dear state is engulfed in sadness, chaos and anarchy with the kind of news springing off our state on daily basis. The Governor must remember that power is transient but our souls and legacies are not. Ndi Anambra also know that all the results of the Governor’s actions or inaction, positive or negative, are all calculated and intended; none can be counted as a ‘mistake’ or attributed to ignorance, no, not from an Ex CBN governor.

With the gubernatorial elections on our heels, I urge APGA government amd Governor Charles Soludo to focus on people’s welfare and state of mind, unless they want to go to the polls the same style they did on August 16 Bye-Elections, a mockery of “win”.

Ndi Anambra must also know when they are being manipulated and insulted. Selling off your vote for whatever amount simply means that you will be abused, extorted and stolen from and you cannot raise your voice in protest, you were bought. Ndi Anambra, “There’s hunger in the land” is not a justification for modern slavery. We are all witnessing the recklessness; from the financial recklessness of Soludo led APGA government on the 16th August Bye-Elections to many other reckless approach to sensitive life impacting matters that affect us all as a State.

Anambra state is losing lots of lives as much as we are losing democracy. How long are we going to play blind to these abuses? How long will you, as an Anambra citizen, sell your votes to these people who abuse us? How long before you pay back as tax the money you received for your vote? We must be aware that our actions today shape our freedom or otherwise tomorrow. We must look inwards, reflect and fix ourselves, otherwise we lose our identity as the great Ndi Anambra.

I join the great bold citizens of Ndi Anambra to condemn, in the strongest terms, this reckless use of lethal force in enforcing levies. Security agencies should be reserved for security jobs. Ndi Anambra are breaking in agony and poverty and this government should focus on alleviating poverty and protecting the lives and properties of Ndi Anambra citizens, a job Soludo and his government is failing woefully in.

My heart goes out to the families of the victims. I share in their grief and pray that God Almighty do comfort them in this very painful time.

Barr Peter Ekwueme

(Ife Ndi Anambra)

2025 NNPP Anambra South Senatorial Bye-Election Candidate.