Soludo Pardons Native Doctor Akwa Okuko Appoints him Youth Ambassador

Gov Soludo pardons native doctor Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, appoints him Ambassador for Youth Reformation in Anambra State.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has granted state pardon to popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwanyi, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.

The governor also gave him a new role as Ambassador for Youth Reformation in the state.

Akwa Okuko was among the eight native doctors arrested last year by the Anambra State Government. They were accused of promoting get-rich-quick syndrome, money rituals and the use of human parts for ritual purposes.

Earlier this year, he entered a plea bargain with the state government. Under the deal, he accepted a lighter sentence.

He was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment and remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Facility in Amawbia. The court also gave him a clear condition. He must renounce fetish practices and agree to work as an advocate for youth reformation.

Nwanyi accepted the conditions. He has been serving his jail term since then.

That sentence was cut short on Friday when Governor Soludo exercised his prerogative of mercy. During a visit to the correctional facility, the governor announced his pardon.

With the pardon, Akwa Okuko will now serve as Anambra's Ambassador for Youth Reformation.

The development was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha.

According to Omenugha, the governor's decision was made in line with his prison visitation duties.

In a statement, Omenugha said, “Thank you, Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for graciously extending your hand of mercy to Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) and giving him a new responsibility as Ambassador for Youth Reformation. This is the heart of Youth Reformation: not just punishment, but correction, restoration, a new purpose and A New Onye Anambra.”

Obgist understands that the appointment is part of the Soludo administration’s broader youth reformation agenda, which focuses on correcting young people, not just punishing them.