Every government typically has both supporters and critics. Nevertheless, the ultimate measure for both sides is their moral and ethical thresholds. I don’t have any issues with those who support or defend the actions of the current regime in Anambra State. My main concern is the declining state of our humanity, which has led us to rationalize the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals who should be protected.
Recently, reports from Anambra State have highlighted the unruly behavior of touts and Agbero acting as revenue agents in the state. They are engaging in blatant abuse of citizens, causing suffering to motorists, traders, motorcycle riders, and tricycle riders. Rather than condemning the rise of these touts and Agbero in the state’s commercial hubs and rural areas, Professor Charles Soludo’s deliberate silence and the public support from his Chief Press Secretary and other aides are only encouraging these rogue individuals to continue their offenses against those in need of protection from the state.
Nothing can be more inhumane and condescending than the image attached, where an Agbero is shown punching a disabled tricycle rider in Onitsha over tax disputes. Even more distressing is watching the vulnerable tricycle rider, in his state of vulnerability, pleading for sympathy from the state-sponsored thug, only to be met with more severe punches as if he were a criminal facing jungle justice.
During his campaign, Professor Charles Soludo didn’t hide the intentions that we now witness in his regime. Many chose to believe otherwise, assuming that, as a professor, he would approach situations with civility and a humane touch.
When Soludo, the former “One Term” Central Bank Governor, declared his intention to disrupt the system and introduce new ways of doing things, many thought it would be a positive disruption with beneficial effects. Unfortunately, we had no idea that these disruptions and new methods would translate into incivility, abuse of power, oppressive taxes, and little relief for the poor.
Human rights abuse has become prevalent across Anambra State. Touts and street urchins empowered by the Soludo regime show no restraint in mistreating the less fortunate, as the government appears to grant them impunity to assault the vulnerable.
It has been days since the unfortunate incident involving a GUO driver and the ACTDA MD, with the driver still hospitalized, and weeks since the incident in Agulu, where the same touts reportedly killed another citizen. Yet, there have been no arrests, despite the government’s claims of prioritizing citizens rights, welfare, and the rule of law.
It’s important for everyone, whether supporting the government or sitting on the fence, to realize that power is transient. What we fail to address today could affect us someday. Today, it’s the disabled tricycle rider struggling to support his family amid high taxes imposed by the Soludo regime, the vulnerable GUO driver, and numerous other victims of harassment by the Soludo Solution touts and Agbero.
Instead of providing hope and relief, the initial 19 months of Professor Charles Soludo’s regime have brought despair and inflicted severe mental and emotional harm upon the people of Anambra State, myself inclusive.
PrayForAnambra
ULOKA, Chibuike is a citizen journalist and public policy analyst, writes from Awka in Anambra State.
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