Prophet Uzukwu Slams Soludo Over Brutal Tactics, Warns That ‘Aka Odo’ Will Not Save Him in 2025 Election

 

A growing storm of condemnation has hit Anambra State’s political atmosphere as Prophet Ikechukwu Uzukwu, the spiritual head of Soul Revival Outreach, Nnewi, strongly criticized Governor Charles Soludo’s administration over what he described as unprecedented brutality and injustice.

Addressing his congregation and journalists on Saturday in Nnewi, Prophet Uzukwu launched a scathing verbal attack on the state government, focusing particularly on the activities of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), commonly referred to as ‘Aka Odo.’ He described the unit as “a menace to the public” and labeled their operations as “inhumane and barbaric.”

Governor Soludo, according to the cleric, has weaponized the Aka Odo unit to inflict terror on ordinary citizens under the pretext of restoring order. The prophet warned the governor not to rely on this squad for political salvation during the upcoming governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Referring to the squad’s alleged modus operandi, Uzukwu said that their tactics involve the use of clubs and pestles to break limbs and maim suspects, many of whom have not been found guilty of any crime by a court of law. This, he lamented, has turned Anambra into what he termed a “graveyard,” citing widespread killings and destruction of properties since Soludo assumed office.

“There is no part of this state where blood has not been spilled under the current administration,” Uzukwu declared. “People now live in fear, not just of criminals, but of those who claim to be cleaning up the state under Soludo’s directive.”

Accusations against the governor did not stop at the brutality allegations. The prophet questioned the intellectual and moral standing of a professor who, in his words, allows untrained individuals to mete out violence on alleged offenders. Drawing comparisons, he spoke of his multiple visits to Dubai, where he said no such lawlessness or civil rights abuses were permitted in the name of governance.

“This is not the Dubai-Taiwan model we were promised during the campaigns,” Uzukwu said. “What we are seeing is a dystopia of pain and terror, and it is unacceptable.”

The fiery preacher urged Governor Soludo to seek leadership inspiration from his contemporaries, especially Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. He praised Otti as a forward-thinking leader who, within a short time, has brought transformation and hope to his people without resorting to violence or coercion.

He also cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example, pointing out how the former Lagos State governor managed to reform and reintegrate the once-feared Area Boys into society. According to Uzukwu, many of those individuals have since risen to occupy important legislative and political positions without having their legs or hands broken in the name of law enforcement.

“There are humane ways to govern,” Uzukwu said. “President Tinubu didn’t break bones. He built minds.”

Uzukwu expressed concern that the security situation in Anambra has deteriorated, especially in rural areas where Fulani herdsmen and other criminal elements continue to operate freely, allegedly unchecked by the current administration. He accused the government of being “clueless” and “indifferent” in the face of mounting insecurity, further calling for global intervention.

“I call on the United Nations, civil society groups, and humanitarian organizations to come to our rescue,” he pleaded. “We are losing our people, our dignity, and our humanity.”

The statement by the respected cleric has stirred debate across political circles, especially given the timing as the state gears up for another intense election cycle. While Soludo’s camp has not officially responded, political analysts suggest the prophet’s words may resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, particularly those who feel abandoned by the current regime.

Observers say the increasing outcry over Aka Odo’s alleged brutality could become a major issue in the 2025 governorship election, with opposition parties likely to seize on the controversy as a campaign weapon. Whether Soludo can weather the storm and secure a second term remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the voices of dissent are growing louder.