By Praise Chinecherem
Youths of Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday protested killing of President-General of the community, Chief Sylvester Onyima.
The protesters who stormed the Government House, Awka, carried placards with various inscriptions such as “Delayed Justice is justice denied”, “Injustice to one is injustice to all”, “Mr Governor, kindly prevail on the police to expedite action”, among others.
National Youth Leader of Umuoji, Chudi Chikelu, who led the protest to the Government House in Awka, regretted the unfortunate incident, expressing worry over delay in investigations and prosecution of pepertrators of the dastardly act.
Chikelu described the deceased as not just a father to Umuoji youths, but a “big masquerade” who has attracted many developments to the community.
He added that the youths were at the verge of becoming violent which informed the decision for the demonstration, pleading with government and security agencies not to forsake them.
“The youths are not happy over the delay in dispensing justice for the deceased. We urge the security agencies to speedy up investigations and unmasked the killers of our community leader as soon as possible,” he added.
President-General of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Titus Akpudo, called for calm to enable the police conclude their investigation, while the PG of the Youth wing Ken Okoli canvassed for vigilance to avoid similar reoccurrence.
“ASATU family is fully interested in seeing the matter to the logical conclusion. But ensure you know those living in your neighbourhood,” Okoli added.
Responding, Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo promised government’s commitment to ensure that justice was served on the matter.
Ezeajughi stressed that the state government do not want a repeat of such ugly incident in the state, promising to convey their message to the Governor
He said, “What happened affected everyone, including the state government, because, the late Onyima was dutifully offering his services before he was cut off.
“The matter is still under investigation, those arrested are still in custody, the state government is committed to working with the police to ensure that justice is served.”
“Recall that the Governor led a one-minute silence session in his honour, during one of the executive council meetings to demonstrate empathy.
“The state government do not want a repeat of such ugly incident in the state. Your message will definitely reach the Governor.”
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