Soludo Pays Medical Bills of Beaten Ex-Chamber of Commerce Boss

The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture has applauded the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his commitment to covering the medical expenses of a former association president, Okey Akaneme, who was allegedly subjected to brutality by officials of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency and police officers.

The Anambra state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, said the decision to foot the medical bill was taken during the 37th State Executive Council meeting after the meeting received the report of the fact-finding team sent by the state government to the victim, where he is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Enugu.

The president of the association, Augustine Ibeme, and members of the chamber appreciated the state governor at a press conference in Onitsha on Wednesday.

Ibeme said that the stakeholders have been advocating for the state government's support since the incident happened on October 11.

Akaneme, who was allegedly ambushed on October 11 at his home on Obi Lane, America Quarters, Onitsha, by ASWAMA officials, accompanied by two policemen from Onitsha Central Police Station, following unpaid sanitation fees, has been receiving treatment at a hospital in Enugu State.

Ibeme said, “The President and Council of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce wish to thank the Anambra State government under the leadership of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for this act of benevolence and care, as this has been at the core of the advocacy of stakeholders since the incident on October 11, 2024.

“However, the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce wishes to make the following appeal: We advise expedited action for the immediate release of funds as the latest information disclosed further worsening of Mr. Akaneme’s health while more bills are mounting. We demand a critical decision concerning transferring Mr. Akaname to a better facility once recommended by the medical experts. “