Soludo: How I Can Pardon Native Doctor, Akwa Okuko

ANAMBRA State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has given conditions under which he can release detained native doctor, Chigozie Nwangwu, otherwise known as ‘Akwa Okuko.’
That condition is granting him state pardon, if necessary, upon conviction, not while he is currently undergoing trial.
Recall that the millionaire native doctor was arrested in February this year on allegation of promoting get-rich-quick practices, preparing charms for criminals and deceiving youths into believing money ritual can make them rich without hardwork.
Two other native doctors- Eke Hit, from Okija, and Onyeze Jesus, were also arrested and the trio have been detained and standing trial.
Responding, during a campaign for next month’s governorship election, to called for the native doctor’s release by youths of Oba in Idemili North Local Council, where Nwangwu hails from, Soludo said: “You are asking for the release of Akwa Okuko, but I want to say that we have forgiven all those who trespassed.
“I know where you are going, but I wish it was in my hand to forgive and release him.
“What I will tell you is that there is a process for me to follow, and there is a process for the court too. Where we are is the process for the court.
“Akwa Okuko is not the only one being held. Someone said he is your cherished son, but I will tell you that the man you are talking about derailed our youths. I’m here in Oba to tell you so. He deceived people, scammed people and we must say the truth.
“It is after saying the truth and you accept it that you can now beg for forgiveness, and we will consider it.
“What he is doing is not what Oba is known for. What we want to do is to cleanse Oba and bring it to its lost glory. Oba is known for hardwork, not fast money.
“You have a role to play to help cleanse the society of drugs, kidnapping, fast money and all. We will cleanse Oba and the first stage is that when we find out someone is doing the wrong thing, we arrest you. Now, they are undergoing court trial.
“So, now that we arrested and handed them to tje Police, our hands are off it. The person will go through the process and if acquitted, he will go home. But if convicted, he will be sentenced.”
He added: “What you should be asking for is pardon. You cannot pardon when court is still undergoing process, so we must let the court do their work. If I go into it, then I will be interfering in court processes. But for now, we will let the court do its job.
“It won’t be fair for me to just jump in and grant him pardon. What if court later says that he is not guilty? You must understand these things.
“What we should be praying for is speedy trial, and if he is found guilty and convicted, after that, your leaders can meet with me. I will host you at the Light House and we will sit and talk about it and grant him pardon, if we have to.”