Mr. Osita Onuko, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, has shared his perspective on the recent incident where his security convoy was accused of assaulting a commercial driver. Several videos circulating on social media depicted a confrontation between Mr. Onuko and the driver of a GUO Motors vehicle, with allegations that he had ordered his officers and associates to assault the driver for overtaking his convoy.
These videos triggered mixed reactions among the state’s residents, prompting them to call on Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to caution his appointees.
In response to the public outcry, Mr. Onuko released a statement on Saturday in which he expressed surprise at the widespread misinterpretation of the situation in the media. He clarified what had transpired, stating, “I have been inundated with calls and messages from well-meaning friends, colleagues, and Ndi Anambra over a video clip that has gone viral on social media regarding an altercation between a GUO driver and myself, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority.”
Mr. Onuko emphasized the need to provide the public with the accurate facts of the incident. He recounted that he had completed his exams at the Igbariam campus of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and was driving to his office in Awka with two civil defense officers in the back seat of his vehicle. He clarified that there was no convoy.
He described an incident on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway where a GUO vehicle attempted to overtake him, leading to a dangerous situation due to the presence of oncoming heavy-duty trucks. This incident provoked him and the officers in his car. They decided to stop the driver at a police checkpoint near Amawbia flyover to ensure he was okay and to address his reckless driving. However, the driver did not stop at the checkpoint but rather parked at the opposite side of the Enugu Motor Park.
The civil defense officers approached the driver, but he locked himself and his passengers in the bus and even attempted to run over the officers with his vehicle. The situation became heated, prompting Mr. Onuko to call the police and local vigilantes for assistance.
As the situation unfolded, the driver began to insult everyone, including the officers with Mr. Onuko. When the police and vigilantes arrived, Mr. Onuko explained the situation and suggested that the driver be taken to the police station for a proper evaluation of his mental state, as he did not appear fit to drive.
Mr. Onuko then left the scene, and the driver eventually came down from the bus and began insulting everyone. Subsequently, Mr. Onuko learned that the driver had resisted arrest, leading to a violent confrontation during his apprehension. He accepted full responsibility for the incident and issued an apology to the driver, GUO, his friends, and well-wishers who were affected by his involvement in the matter.