Victor Ezeja
Sir Paul Chukwuma, a frontline aspirant in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned the failure of the state government to secure release of Most Rev Godwin Okpala, the Emeritus Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Province, and his driver, 12 days after they were abducted by gunmen.
Chukwuma, who expressed outrage over the prolonged hostage of the cleric and his driver, criticised the Anambra State Government for its “deafening silence and shameful lack of decisive action” in the face of such an attack on a revered cleric and an elder statesman.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa reports that Okpala, who had also been the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, was kidnapped alongside his driver while travelling to Umuchu for a burial on 6th December.
In a statement on Thursday, Chukwuma described the response of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his administration to the kidnap issue as “lethargic and uninspiring,” and accused them of abandoning their fundamental duty to protect lives and property.
“This is an egregious assault on our collective humanity and an affront to the moral and religious fabric of Anambra State. Archbishop Okpala is not just a man of God but a symbol of peace, hope, and service to our people. His continued detention, alongside his driver, is a dark stain on the conscience of this state,” Chukwuma said.
“The state government’s inaction is not just disappointing; it is outright reprehensible. The silence of Governor Soludo in the face of this unfortunate incident smacks of gross negligence and insensitivity. It is shameful that, 12 days after this despicable crime, we have seen no concrete steps, no assurances, and no visible efforts to secure the release of Archbishop Okpala and his driver.”
He insisted that Governor Soludo’s much-discussed new security plan should start with securing the release of the kidnapped clergyman and encouraged the state administration to launch a robust rescue effort.
He said the people have had enough of “empty rhetoric” and urged Governor Soludo to rise up in tackling insecurity ravaging the state.
“The governor must act now, not tomorrow, and show that he can protect the people he was elected to serve,” Chukwuma stated.
While describing the actions of the kidnappers as “barbaric and cowardly,” the gubernatorial aspirant pleaded with them to “think of their heinous deeds and choose the path of repentance and redemption” and free the cleric and his driver immediately.
He said Archbishop Okpala is a clergy that has spent his life preaching peace, unity, and godliness and lamented that “To hold such a man in captivity is not only inhumane but also an act of war against decency and morality.”
“His abductors must release him and his driver immediately and unconditionally,” Chukwuma added.
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He called on all well-meaning Anambra residents to join their voices in demanding the immediate release of Archbishop Okpala.
He also urged security agencies to step up their efforts to curb the spate of criminality in the state.
“This state cannot afford to descend further into chaos. The continued captivity of Archbishop Okpala is a painful reminder of the glaring failure of leadership. It is time for Governor Soludo to stop making promises and start delivering results. Anambra deserves better,” he said.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
