By Praise Chinecherem
Kingmakers and Ozo titled holders from Awka, Anambra state have urged Chairman of G. U. O. Transport Limited, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke to pardon Mr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA) over alleged battering of his company driver recently.
The Awka kingmakers made the appeal during a visit to the GUO boss in his Onitsha home.
Escorts attached to Onuko’s office last Friday attacked the driver whose name was simply given as Obum at UNIZIK junction, Awka for allegedly overtaking dangerously Onuko’s convoy along the Enugu/Onitsha expressway.
The incident with a viral video had sparked public outrage and condemnation with GUO firm issuing a statement threatening further actions in pursuit of justice.
Speaking during the visit, leader of the delegation, Chief Austin Ndigwe said the visit was to intervene and apologise on behalf of their son, Ossy Onuko, pleading with Okeke to withhold all further actions in the matter
He said, “The entire Awka community felt bad over the unfortunate incident. Onuko has not been found wanting or associated with any social vices before now, hence the reason we decided to visit immediately.
“We had already blamed Onuko our son for his action. We pleaded with you to withhold all further actions in the matter because we know Onuko cannot withstand your wrath if you should be allowed to push the matter forward.”
Three other cabinet chiefs, including former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Kene Molokwu also lent their voices in appealing to Okeke to forgive and forget, pledging their readiness to offset the driver’s hospital bills.
Responding, Okeke commended the delegation for their visit, even as he condemned the brigandage and molestation meted on citizens and residents by government agents in the name of revenue drive.
Okeke however noted that the matter was already beyond him, having handed over the management of the firm to his children after retirement.
He said the company office in Lagos had already issued a petition to that effect, adding that the incident would have escalated if not for his quick intervention.
“The incident would have generated widespread protests and demonstrations as many interest groups within Southeast, other parts of Nigeria and diaspora, including USA and UK were already threatening showdown if not that I prevailed on all aggrieved parties to sheath their swords.
“Individuals and groups should shun recklessness and acts of brigandage particularly when they find themselves within the corridors of power because such acts have adversely affected business and the economy in Anambra. Many don’t come to Onitsha for business anymore,” he said.
Describing himself as a man of peace, Okeke said he was ready to make further sacrifices for peace to reign inasmuch as as government was ready to play its part.
“All I want in Anambra is peace. Once the government takes care of touts and those who brutalise citizens to enable traders 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 so that people can come to Onitsha and other parts of Anambra and buy what they want without fear of attack, then I agree” Chief Okeke said.
numbering about 20, one of their sons
dressed in full white traditional chieftaincy regalia and led by Chief Austin Ndigwe, (Ike Obodo Awka) arrived Chief Okeke’ s residential home at GRA Onitsha with a giant sized ram, drinks and kolanuts.
After introductions and exchange of pleasantries, Chief Ndigwe
