Kinsmen Beg Soludo For Clemency Over Detained Native Doctor, Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki
BY GLORY UGOBA
THE family and kinsmen of renowned native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, popularly called Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, have appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to grant him pardon following his continued detention.
In a two-page petition signed by leaders of the Ezenkwu/Oraelighoba kindred in Umumpama Aboji village, Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, the community urged the Governor to “temper justice with mercy.”
The petition, endorsed by Chinedu Okeme (Chairman), Augustine Okwuanalum (Secretary), Nze Dozie Nweke(former President, Aboji village), and Ogbueshi Vincent Ejiofor (Elder), highlighted the distress his absence had caused both his immediate family and the wider community.
They said Nwangwu had been a major source of support, providing scholarships for indigent students, assistance to widows and widowers, and funding community development projects such as road rehabilitation.
While acknowledging that the case is already before a competent court, the petitioners stressed that the Governor has the constitutional authority to grant clemency. They noted that previous administrations had exercised such powers under exceptional circumstances.
They further argued that Nwangwu had no prior criminal record, had cooperated fully with authorities, and had shown remorse since his arrest. According to them, many families dependent on his generosity risk plunging into hardship if he remains in custody.
Quoting from their appeal, the petitioners wrote:
“For to err is human and to forgive is divine. We believe these factors are enough to influence Your Excellency’s decision to grant him pardon.”
The leaders admitted that Nwangwu’s use of social media to promote his traditional practice was inappropriate but insisted he had learned his lesson.
They expressed hope that Governor Soludo would consider their request, saying that granting clemency would aid Nwangwu’s rehabilitation while fostering peace and social cohesion within the community.
