(DDM) – A United States-based pharmacist, Martin Nwabueze, has called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption authorities to investigate the administration of Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, over alleged financial and governance controversies.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) notes that Nwabueze made the call on Friday while reacting to the recent enforcement of the controversial “Oke Ite” law targeting native doctors and traditional spiritual practitioners in Anambra State.
Nwabueze expressed concern about the speed with which the new legislation was implemented across the state.
He argued that the law was reportedly signed and enforced within forty-eight hours, leaving many traditional practitioners unaware that some of their long-standing activities had suddenly become criminal offences.
According to him, several native doctors claimed they were arrested while still practicing customs they believed were legally acceptable before the new regulation was introduced.
The crackdown followed the enactment of the Oke Ite law by the Soludo administration as part of efforts to combat ritualism and criminal activities linked to spiritual practices.
Governor Soludo has maintained that ignorance of the law cannot serve as a legal defence once legislation has been duly enacted.
His position became more prominent following the conviction of a well-known native doctor, popularly called Akwa Okuko, who was sentenced to two years in prison under the law.
Supporters of the government have praised the strict enforcement, arguing that it represents a decisive step toward addressing ritual-related crimes and restoring public order.
However, critics have raised questions about whether the rapid enforcement allowed adequate public awareness before arrests began.
Nwabueze said the government should apply the same strict interpretation of accountability to public officials if it insists that ordinary citizens cannot plead ignorance.
The pharmacist, who co-founded the humanitarian organisation Tilova For Africa, argued that public office holders must also face scrutiny over alleged administrative or financial irregularities.
He specifically referenced a controversial transfer of ₦100 million from the Anambra State Government’s security vote account.
Reports had alleged that the money was mistakenly transferred into a private account linked to the son of former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The police later explained that the transfer occurred due to a clerical error and that the funds were promptly returned to the government account.
Despite the clarification, Nwabueze questioned why such a large financial “mistake” should be accepted when traditional practitioners are being punished for alleged violations they claim not to have known about.
He therefore urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to intervene and investigate the matter thoroughly.
Nwabueze also criticised the demolition of structures at the Onitsha Main Market by the Anambra State Government.
According to him, the demolitions allegedly occurred despite a court injunction that was meant to halt such actions.
The Onitsha Main Market is widely regarded as one of the largest commercial centres in West Africa.
The market hosts thousands of traders whose businesses support a significant portion of economic activities in southeastern Nigeria.
The demolitions reportedly displaced many traders who lost shops and goods during the enforcement exercise.
Some traders have described the situation as a humanitarian crisis because their sources of livelihood were suddenly destroyed.
Critics say the incident has intensified debate about whether the state government followed proper legal procedures before executing the demolitions.
The combination of the Oke Ite law enforcement, the disputed financial transfer, and the market demolition controversy has placed the Soludo administration under increasing public scrutiny.
Political observers say the developments reflect the broader tension between aggressive law-enforcement policies and concerns about due process.
Governor Soludo has repeatedly defended his administration’s actions as necessary steps to restore order, fight crime, and modernise governance in Anambra State.
However, analysts say the controversies surrounding these decisions could continue to generate public debate in the coming months.
As the discussion continues, many stakeholders are calling for transparency and accountability to ensure that both government officials and ordinary citizens are treated equally under the law.
