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By Madu Obi
Following the controversy that trailed the assault on a bus driver with GUO Motors by officials of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, Chiefs of Awka Community have apologized to the proprietor of the transport company, Chief G. E. Okeke,
pleading for pardon of their son, Ossy Onuko who is the Managing Director of ACTDA.
Recall that vigilante operatives acting on behalf of Onuko and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC attached to his office had descended heavily on the GUO bus driver at the popular UNIZIK Temporary Site Junction, Awka for overtaking Onuko’s convoy dangerously.
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation, with the GUO Transport Company issuing a statement calling on the Governor Soludo administration to ensure that justice was done on the matter.
The Awka kingmakers, numbering about 20, dressed in their traditional chieftaincy regalia went to the resident of GUO to plead that their son should be forgiven.
They were led by Chief Austin Ndigwe.
He noted that the entire Awka community felt bad over the incident which he described as a very unfortunate one for Onuko, a young Awka citizen who has not been found wanting or associated with any social vices before now, hence the reason they decided to visit immediately to intervene and apologize on his behalf, as their son.
Ndigwe said the kingmakers had already blamed Onuko their son for his action and pleaded with Okeke to withhold all further actions in the matter, adding that their son, Onuko, cannot withstand his wrath if he (Okeke) should be allowed to push the matter forward.
Responding, Chief Okeke commended them for the visit, even as he condemned the resort to brigandage and molestation meted on citizens and residents of the state by government agents in the name of revenue drive.
Okeke, however, informed his visitors that having retired from the company and handed over the management to his children, the matter was already beyond him.
He observed that the incident would have generated widespread protests and demonstrations because many interest groups, both within the South East, other parts of Nigeria and the diaspora including USA and UK, were already spoiling for a showdown if he had not prevailed on all the aggrieved persons to sheath their swords.
He also warned individuals and groups against recklessness and acts of brigandage, particularly when they find themselves within the corridors of power.
According to him, such acts have adversely affected business and the economy of Anmbra State because many don't come to Onitsha to source their goods anymore.
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