Labour Party lawmakers representing Anambra State in Nigeria’s National Assembly have accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration of attempting to sweep under the carpet the assault of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member by members of the state vigilante group, Agunaechemba.
The legislators – seven in total, including Senators Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye – argued that the state government only took action against the culprits after widespread condemnation on social media and from civil society. “But for public outcry, the Soludo administration would have ignored this cruel and criminal act,” their statement read.
Beyond the assault, the lawmakers linked the vigilante group to alleged electoral interference, accusing Deputy Governor Onyeka Ibezim of deploying them to disrupt by-elections in Osumenyi and Oraifite. They warned against what they termed “acts of brigandage” in the upcoming November governorship election.
The governor’s office, however, dismissed the claims. Press secretary Christian Aburime said the vigilante operatives involved in the assault were arrested immediately and placed under investigation. He maintained that the deputy governor acted lawfully, seeking to protect voters from political thugs.
Aburime insisted that the Soludo government has a “zero tolerance” stance on rights violations, stressing that the administration is committed to gender sensitivity and the protection of women.
