Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has debunked allegations that he abandoned a police inspector attached to his convoy, Lucky Okey, who died on Tuesday following severe injuries to the brain he sustained during an accident while on duty. Reports have claimed that Mr Lucky fell and hit his head on a tarred road from a moving police van attached to the Governor’s office on official duty in the presence of the Governor, but was denied the opportunity to be flown abroad as advised by medical professionals.
According to the reports, instead, the State Commissioner for Health arranged for a set of local doctors to manage the situation, who compounded Mr Lucky’s brain condition, until he died this morning without proper care and medication to save cost of treating him abroad. There were also allegations of the governor abandoning the police officer’s family while he lay ill at the hospital.
A certain Marshal, who claimed to be a brother to the deceased, was quoted in the reports as saying that sometimes, the deceased’s colleagues would contribute money for his wife and only child for food since the salary is not enough and the Government has been owing him over three months allowances.
He also claimed the accident happened in February this year.
But when the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime spoke to our correspondent, he denied the allegations, saying the unfortunate accident happened in August this year and not in February as claimed in the said reports. He also said the governor provided the needed assistance to the officer, as acknowledged by his family.
He said; “Before his death, Mr. Okey was a police officer who served as part of the governor’s security convoy until he was involved in an unfortunate accident in August this year. “However, it is with concern that we address the fallacious claims made in an online report by one faceless ‘Marshall’ regarding the sad incident involving Mr. Okey.
“The report falsely insinuated neglect on the part of Governor Charles Soludo, alleging abandonment and a lack of proper medical care leading to Inspector Okey’s tragic passing.
“Contrary to these baseless claims, all necessary medical attention and care were promptly administered to Mr. Okey following the accident.
“The government ensured his medical bills were cleared, and his salaries and allowances were paid promptly until his unfortunate demise.
“Incidentally, all the acts of care and support by Governor Soludo have been duly acknowledged by the late officer’s family who in their recent public statement appreciated the governor for his full support and denied the claims of ‘abandonment’ and ‘miserable death’ mischievously fabricated by the faceless ‘Marshall’.
“According to the statement signed by Mr. Chukwudi Okey, the family neither knew any ‘Marshall’ nor authorized him to speak for them, wondering why anyone would exploit their son’s death to tarnish the governor’s image.”
Aburime regretted what he described as politically-motivated misinformation being disseminated, exploiting a tragic event to discredit the image of the state government.
He urged the purveyors of the information, which he said is misleading, to refrain from exploiting such sad occurrences to score cheap political points.
“Notwithstanding the insincere criticisms, the Anambra State Government remains committed to upholding the welfare of all its citizens and will continue to support and prioritise the well-being of its dedicated workforce, including law enforcement officers who serve tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our lives.
“The governor prayed that the soul of Inspector Okey rest in peace and has extended his condolences to the late police officer,” he said.
