A prominent advocacy group, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has formally petitioned the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, following the death of Hon. Okey Akaneme, former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA).
The late Akaneme reportedly succumbed to internal injuries sustained during a violent encounter with agents of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), allegedly in connection with tax enforcement.
According to the FENRAD Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Hon. Akaneme was assaulted by ASWAMA operatives during a revenue collection operation gone wrong. The organisation condemned the attack as “tragic and avoidable,” spotlighting an emerging pattern of abuse and brutality in public revenue enforcement across the state.
In a strongly worded petition, FENRAD called on Governor Soludo to: Launch an independent investigation into the assault, Prosecute all ASWAMA agents involved, Overhaul and regulate revenue enforcement operations, Provide compensation to Akaneme’s family and Issue a public commitment to human rights protections.
FENRAD further appealed to the Anambra State House of Assembly, the State Police Command, and the Human Rights Commission for swift intervention, emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the incident.
“This is not just about Hon. Akaneme,” FENRAD declared, “it is about dismantling a culture of brutality and unlawful conduct in the name of tax collection.” The organisation pledged ongoing solidarity with the Akaneme family and the Onitsha business community, promising continued advocacy for reform and justice.
