By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has petitioned the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, over the death of Honorable Okey Akeneme, the former president of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA). Honorable Akeneme reportedly died after sustaining injuries during a tax-related assault by the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA).

“The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) a leading human rights and good governance advocacy organization, strongly condemns the tragic and avoidable death of Hon. Okey Akaneme, former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), who reportedly died following prolonged internal injuries sustained during a brutal assault by agents of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) under the guise of tax enforcement.”

In a press release dated 13 July, 2025 and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD asserts that the “unfortunate incident highlights an alarming trend of violent revenue enforcement in Anambra State, often carried out by unauthorized or loosely monitored agents who operate outside the bounds of due process, human rights, and dignity.”

The human rights and good governance advocacy organization claims it was ironic that such an “inhumane” treatment could be meted out on the president by law enforcement agents. They said:

“FENRAD is deeply saddened that a respected community leader and business figure like Hon. Akaneme could be subjected to such inhumane treatment, and ultimately lose his life, simply due to the actions of agents of the state purportedly tasked with sanitation and tax collection.”

FENRAD has also called on “the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Police Command, and the Human Rights Commission to intervene, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and justice is served swiftly and transparently.”

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) is demanding an independent investigation into the matter. They are also calling for prompt compensation for the deceased family and regulation of ASWAMA’s operations. FENRAD’s demands are outlined below.

“We hereby petition His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, to:

Order an immediate and independent investigation into the attack that led to Hon. Akaneme’s death;

Identify and prosecute all ASWAMA agents involved in the incident

Reform and regulate the operations of ASWAMA and other tax enforcement units to prevent further abuse;

Compensate the family of the late Hon. Okey Akaneme for the loss and pain inflicted by this unjust incident;

Issue a public statement condemning violent revenue enforcement and affirming the state’s commitment to human rights and lawful civic engagement.

The rights group has reassured its support for Hon. Akaneme’s family while expressing its commitment to ensuring “accountability, justice, and reforms to end such barbaric practices in public administration.”

“This is not just about Hon. Akaneme alone—it is about ending the systemic terror, brutality, and unlawful conduct by state-affiliated task forces in the name of tax collection. No citizen should die at the hands of those meant to serve and protect public interest,” they added.