Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has apologized for the manhandling of Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere (Odumeje) during Thursday’s demolition of the clergy’s church, declaring that disciplinary actions will be taken against the personnel involved in improper conduct
The governor, who expressed regrets at the unprofessional display of the said officer, condemned the brutalisation of the cleric, saying “Yesterday’s outing has evoked emotions, not against the decision of the government, but the imperfect and unprofessional manner with which one of the task force members discharged his lawful duty.”
A statement released to the media in Awka, the Anambra State capital by the governor said the ugly incident “is highly regretted, and would never happen again”, adding; “I have instructed that the task force personnel involved in the manhandling of Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere (Odumeje) be treated in accordance with the rules of public conduct which he roundly failed to uphold.”
Governor Soludo appreciated the people of the state for their understanding, noting that it “takes audacious steps towards making our Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland.”
According to him; “On this journey, imperfect steps will be taken, emotions will run wild and opinions will grow thick. What is pertinent to note is that we shall remain undaunted, correct our imperfections, strive to put our emotions in check, and aggregate opinions that are in the interest of our overall good.
“We will continue to work to actualize the mandate you have given to us. Nothing short of the best outcomes is guaranteed. On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, I condemn the assault, and further ask for your continued support in the fight to restore the dignity of Onitsha, and indeed the totality of our Homeland.”
In April this year, Odumeje’s church was marked for demolition in line with Onitsha Urban Renewal Plan spearheaded by the Prof Soludo-led administration.
During the demolition exercise on Thursday, July 7, 2022, Prophet Odumeje was manhandled by some security personnel, who accompanied the demolition team as he engaged the officials at the demolition scene.
A viral video showed the comic cleric being manhandled by the security men, comprising police officers and men of the State vigilantes’ services.
Slapped and restricted from moving to the demolition area by armed security personnel, the clergy’s ill-treatment was greeted with mixed reactions as many condemned the attack and described it as inhuman and uncivilized.