Calls for Independent Investigation, Justice, and End to Brutal Tax Enforcement in Anambra State
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has petitioned Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State over the death of Hon. Okey Akaneme, a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), who reportedly died from injuries sustained during an alleged assault by agents of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA).
FENRAD, a leading human rights and good governance advocacy group, described Akaneme’s death as “tragic and avoidable,” and attributed it to violent and unlawful tax enforcement carried out by ASWAMA operatives in Onitsha.
In a press release issued in Abuja on July 13, FENRAD condemned what it called a rising trend of brutal revenue enforcement in Anambra State, where agents act without oversight, accountability, or regard for human rights.
“We are deeply saddened that a respected business leader like Hon. Okey Akaneme could suffer such inhumane treatment, allegedly at the hands of government agents, and lose his life,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD.
FENRAD’s Demands to Anambra State Government
FENRAD urged Governor Soludo to:
- Order an independent and immediate investigation into the incident leading to Akaneme’s death.
- Identify and prosecute all ASWAMA officials involved in the alleged assault.
- Regulate and reform ASWAMA and other tax enforcement units to prevent abuse of power.
- Compensate the Akaneme family for their loss and suffering.
- Issue a public condemnation of violent revenue collection and affirm the state’s commitment to human rights and lawful civic engagement.
Broader Call to Action
FENRAD also appealed to the Anambra State House of Assembly, the State Police Command, and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene and ensure justice is served.
“This is not just about Hon. Akaneme—it is about ending systemic brutality by state-affiliated task forces in the name of tax enforcement,” the statement read.
The organization emphasized that no citizen should be subjected to violence by those mandated to enforce public laws, and vowed to continue advocating for justice, reform, and accountability in public administration.
Also Read: FENRAD Seeks Transparency Over N54 Billion Public School Expenditure in Abia State
Support for Akaneme Family and Business Community
FENRAD expressed solidarity with the family of Hon. Okey Akaneme and the Onitsha business community, affirming its commitment to ensuring justice and preventing future occurrences of such abuses.
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