News
The NYSC saga: Soludo’s penitence of deceit and hypocrisy!
A guest on Prime Time, a public affairs programme on ARISE NEWS, Nigeria’s top television station, this Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Chukwuma Charles Soludo strove strenuously to explain the government side of the disgraceful and utterly grisly and abominable treatment meted out to Jennifer Elobor, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He laboured to give the impression that neither the Operation Udo Ga Achi, the security programme commanding the henchmen of Agunechemba force, responsible for the eerie behaviour, nor the state government under whose authority they operated, had a hand in the sordid affair, feigning anger and regret to boot!
Nothing could be farther to the truth. Even with all his efforts, it was clear he was being economical with the truth. His countenance betrayed his obvious insincerity, while his commentary on the issue was far less convincing.
Only the non-initiate or the completely bereft, would have been swayed by the governor’s play-acting suggesting a high dose of piety, innocence or even anger over the development. Nobody conversant with the reality would otherwise be convinced.
There was no way the governor could lay claim to any sort of confusion about that episode. So, his open show of empathy to the victims or display of remorse about the outlandish act of those beasts, amount to nothing than an elaborately crafted façade. Nothing more, nothing less. He has no way of exculpating himself from complicity. He could not have been because what the public saw in that video, which exposed the entire ghoulish episode is a child’s play to the modus operandi of the outfit.
They had in the past, inflicted far worse treatments to other unfortunate victims and therefore have in store, many more where the experience of Lady Elobor came. In other words, Soludo could not have been surprised because the brutality displayed in that video is a minus in their capacity.
If they had gone full throttle on that lady, many of those who watched that video, would either not have been able to go full-length or would have been rushed to the hospital to get resuscitated from the mental and psychological impact they would have suffered.
This is why we can not condemn the entire development enough from the outset. There is a popular local saying that a man that steals and denies, has committed a double crime. Soludo is guilty of this crime. Yes, he may not have been at the scene of the crime. But by vicarious responsibility, he is guilty as much as those evil men, if not guiltier.
Though not physically at the crime scene, but Soludo’s hand vicariously held and drove the koboko that landed those lashes on the bare back of that young lady. Each slap she received came from him. His imprimatur was quite visible as her garment was shredded and in the exposure of her female anatomy. He was complicit in the degradation of her human person and the consistent and constant opprobrium that would forever trail her in the market places, churches and other public gatherings.
Henceforth, each time people point fingers at her either in mockery or pity, Soludo has a hand in it. Indeed, if she eventually ends up a physiological or psychological wreck or meets a more sinister, more damning or even fatal fate in future due to her inability to handle the situation, Soludo will take the lion share as the harbinger of that outcome and not those who actually committed the act.
Why do we say so? The answer is simple. Much as the governor tried to give the impression that it was an isolated case, it is completely the opposite. There is a surfeit of cases to support our assertion that this is the rule rather than an exception. While scores of such cases are in the public space, hundreds of them are covered in secrecy.
But for the obvious overexcitement of the ARISE NEWS, he would have caught the governor pants-down by mere interrogation of facts. For instance, had he not been overly too eager to please his guest, for whatever reasons and applied himself more diligently, he would have asked his guest the whereabouts of the operatives of the selfsame Agunechemba, who killed Kosisochukwu Okoye, an indigene of Isuofia, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
A wielder at Ekwulobia, the young man in company of Malachy Chimaobi Iwuanyanwu and Odinkalu Chinonso, were mowed down in a volley of bullets while at work on January 29 by the outfit and labelled members of Unknown Gunmen (UGM) “terrorising” the state.
It turned out that on the fateful day Okoye’s boss had dropped him and the two others off at the site of a new building they were constructing and fitting with wrought irons. They were at work when the operatives arrived and reportedly opened fire without warning that eventually sent them to the world beyond through a hail of bullets.
Thereafter, they went to town to celebrate on how they decimated a group of UGM in the Owere Ezukala forest. To add salt to the story, they displayed the gas cylinder that powered the plant with which the wielders worked, was shown as a “bomb” found in the camp of the supposed UGM killers, while another set of half-naked men, stripped to their underpants were driven around as further evidence of their uncommon feat.
But it did not take long before the ululations that accompanied the display to die down, as evidence, based on testimonies began to be suggest that the entire enterprise was a ruse. Not only that the village folks properly identified the victims as innocent workers, but corroborated that those arrested and claimed to be UGM captured alive were equally innocent, many of them picked from the streets instead of the supposed forest camps.
Today, not only that mum is the word about Okoye, the only son of a widow, whose completely distraught mother was seen in another video pleading for his body and justice, the entire episode, has since been wrapped in official deafening silence that has become the signature of the Soludo government.
Nobody knows what has happened to the distraught mother, who incidentally is from the same community with Soludo and those of the two others who were killed in that gory episode. Nothing has equally been heard about those responsible for it either in form of arrest or prosecution.
To underscore their unrestrained and unrepentant posture, many other cases have since been added. Chiamaka Okeke, shares the same fate. She was said to have been hit by stray bullets at Ibeto Junction, Nnewi North Local Government Area. Police account claims that the operatives, apparently impatient opened fire and started shooting indiscriminately, while traffic officers were still trying to clear road for them.
The family of another 12-year-old boy, who was reportedly killed on June 12, 2025, while the nation was in celebration of the Democracy Day, has since been thrown into mourning and to nurse their eternal wound. The lad was said to be sitting quietly on a culvert near a gutter in Nwangene when he was shot without provocation, an incident that nearly caused a riot as traders within the vicinity were said to have confronted the operatives who wanted to flee the scene after the incident and forced them to carry the corpse of the little boy.
Outside the killings, there have been many reported cases of extortions either at checkpoints or in various detention camps they have set up by the operatives with tales of illegal detentions, torture and other forms of arbitrariness, many of them in public space and others hidden from public attention. In fact, the prayer on the lips of most people outside the corridors of power is never to have anything to do with them, particularly in terms of being their victims.
Take the case of Okechukwu Akanaeme. On October 11, 2024, it was the turn of this former Chairman of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA) to test the new phenomenon in the state. This time it was in the hands of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWMA), who accosted him in his home over revenue issues. By the time they left, the once vibrant journalist and businessman was lying on the floor, prostrate.
For the rest of his life, he was in a vegetative state as he was being tossed from his home to one hospital and the other till he finally died at the Park Lane Hospital Enugu, a few weeks ago, leaving behind his wife, a professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and his children completely drained and in debt after exhausting virtually all their resources on his treatment.
Today, Anambra has found a new use for Aka-Odo – pestles. It has become not an instrument for grinding pepper, but a symbol of extreme terror, brutality and pain. Videos are everywhere of officials using the device to deliver deadly blows to the ankle-bones, knee-caps and other vital spots of the human person cause the maximum pains needed to achieve their goals faster than any other torture practices, employ it to the maximum. The practiced and dexterous application of the device have left many victims either permanently crippled or eternally traumatised.
Yet, there are no consequences despite that most of these cases are in the public domain. Soludo cannot therefore vitiate this fact by putting a sombre, prudent and mournful expression. It is not only deceitful but totally annoying for the major reason of his complicity.
But for the fact that the video of that NYSC lady escaped into the public domain, it would have been another fait accompli. That case was already sealed. That it attracted official response from Kenneth Emeakayi, the Chairman of that dreaded outfit and later the governor is a function of the public outrage and the status of the lady in question. It would have been a different kettle of fish if it was purely an Anambra matter.
In fact, the lawyer had concluded that she and her colleagues, had actually fled the state for fear of greater consequences. After handing out a misery N10,000 cash each, they were reportedly forbidden not to speak about the matter, of course, laced with subtle and open threats.
That the current frenzy to an incident that happened on July 23, a month after, when all the facts were on the table, underscores the obvious pretence and hypocrisy of Soludo and his men. The talk about the victim and her parents not wanting to press charges, is a lame excuse an infant will laugh at. It is an obtuse and childish attempt at a coverup.
Assuming, but not conceding, for the sake of argument that the government is so bereft not to recognise that the attack on Lady Elobor, constituted a criminal offence that required handing the culprits over to the police immediately, could such excuse suffice for the moral burden as well?
Could they not have been outrightly dismissed ab initio? Why did it have to take the public outrage for such a measure to be taken on Wednesday? Even now, that Wednesday public show could be an attempt to buy time.
Only the non-initiate would be surprised to see them tomorrow, if not at their duty posts, somewhere in the seat of power. Yes, because contrary to what is being sold to the public many believe the outfit has already been assigned a role to ensure Soludo’s re-election.
That underscores the level of distrust. To many, the tree that bears the killer fruit, is already blooming with flowers in readiness for future harvests. This indicates the greater dangers ahead. That is the tragedy!
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, on Friday, pushed back against reports quoting him as promising to retrieve tickets from winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in lieu of sitting senators, who failed at the party’s primaries recently.
He also spoke on the issue of the comprehensive probe called by Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, now Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, clarifying his position on the matte, which has since raised a lot of dust within the polity.
The twin issues, dominated the outcome of proceedings on Thursday, on the day the Senators returned after going on recess to participate in the party primaries that took place across board in Nigeria in line with the electoral outlay of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta and now Chairman of the National Assembly, who conveyed his position through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, denied ever making such promise to his colleagues, as it went against the grain of democratic ethos, which he had vowed to uphold.
Regarding the probe of the military, Akpabio, in the statement, stressed the need not to distract the institution, but provide it with all the needed support, giving the parlous security situation in the country, its personnel had been battling relentless.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents. While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.”
No candidate was imposed neither was any member barred from participating in the process, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday, which defending the integrity of the exercise, which ended on May 29.
In a statement by Ikenna Enekweizu, National Secretary, party said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process, adding that the selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
Stressing that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries, the statement added: “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“Aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities. In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.
“These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others. The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states.
“Aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries. This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.
However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.
Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), on Friday, prayed for a legislation to establish a special court to try those caught in the business of stealing crude oil in Nigeria, saying the current general law was not too helpful in stemming the tide.
It was also a day he claimed that the powerful forces behind the syndicate had a way of projecting fronts while remaining behind the scene, which made it almost impossible to track them to face justice.
In fact, Abbas, a Vice Admiral, revealed that the operation was so perfect that those arrested at illegal refining sites were usually low-level operatives with little knowledge of the larger criminal network.
A guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, the Naval Chief noted that many of those apprehended during operations are merely workers paid small sums, adding that such a complex structure of oil theft syndicates made it difficult to identify and prosecute the individuals who orchestrate the criminal enterprise.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money. Prosecuting suspects is often complicated by the fact that many of those arrested have little or no information about the people directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one.
“But despite the challenges the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are continually refining their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of oil thieves. As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft.”
Stating that the adoption of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring systems had significantly enhanced efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining operations against oil theft, stressing that collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders and host communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
The naval boss while assuring that Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, said the Nigerian Navy had made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe. While crude oil theft and isolated cases of sea robbery remain areas of concern, the Navy has been largely successful in containing such activities through intensified surveillance and enforcement operations.
Hear him: “What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail. There is need for the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting maritime crimes.
“This court will focus exclusively on cases involving crude oil theft and other maritime-related offences, helping to address delays associated with the conventional judicial process. The establishment of such a court would significantly accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the burden currently placed on the Navy in maintaining seized vessels and other exhibits pending the conclusion of lengthy court processes.
“If we have that in place, I believe the dispensation of justice will be done much faster and then ease the burden of keeping and maintaining some of the arrested vessels, which will be taken off from us because we spend a lot to maintain those vessels under our custody.”
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