“It is unimaginable that Soludo has completely lost track of his lofty security agenda.” —Ebuka Onyekwelu
Nearly three years on the saddle, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has yet to put words to work in the security of lives and properties of Anambra residents and visitors. With at least three senior appointees on security, governor Soludo is still making promises and has yet to find the right words to speak to Anambra’s steep descent into anarchy, much less walk the path of decisive action to put it to rest. Kidnapping for ransom has become normalized in Anambra State under Soludo, much so that friends of victims now solicit financial support to raise ransom money for their kidnapped friends. No part of the state is safe and no time is safe to move around Anambra State, as the situation keeps getting even more dangerous both at day and at night. Without equivocation, the only two safe places in Anambra State might be the Governor’s Lodge and the Governor’s fifteen-vehicle convoy, with all manner of fully armed security operatives.
It is unimaginable that Soludo, whose security agenda is anchored on the promise to sustain Anambra’s status of the safest state in Nigeria earned under the previous administration of Willie Obiano, has completely lost track of that lofty agenda. A few months into his administration, the Anambra State House of Assembly member representing Governor Soludo’s Constituency of Aguata II was kidnapped, along with his aide, and both were killed. The House member was beheaded and his body and head were found in two different locations in Anambra State. On May 25th, 2022, nearly a week after the sordid, extremely shocking murder of Hon. Okey, the governor spoke on the restoration of peace and order in Anambra State, offering an olive branch to troublemakers parading as freedom fighters and promising to use the stick next. During this broadcast, he revealed that those causing the mayhem are Igbos. However, after initial efforts to reclaim territories occupied by these gangs, the situation remains much the same, as criminals continue to have a field day in the state.
About a year after the brutal murder of Hon. Okey, gunmen attacked the US Consulate convoy in Ogbaru Anambra State brazenly and dreadfully, leaving nearly all US Consulate staff in the convoy dead. A few months ago, precisely in October, 2024, Super Sports Journalists visiting Akwa Ibom State were kidnapped in Anambra State, and at least three of them were killed. More than a month later, the whereabouts of Big Ben co-owner of Dubai Estate in Awka who was taken in Awka remain unknown. It is now over two weeks since the retired Anglican Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev Godwin Okpala, was kidnapped in Umuchu, a village in the governor’s local government area of Aguata. His whereabouts remains unknown. Regrettably, in between these known and high-profile cases are numerous others whose disappearance can still not be accounted for or who have been killed by these gangs. Yet, even more have been kidnapped and released and this long list includes a popular music composer, Sir Jude Nnam.
Apparently, in a bid to create an impression ahead of the Christmas celebration, Governor Soludo made a broadcast addressing the security situation about a week before the 2024 Christmas. This was only the second time the governor was speaking on the dangerous situation in which the people live in perpetual fear, because of the activities of criminal gangs. In any case, what was the broadcast about? Governor Soludo simply went around reiterating the promise contained in his manifesto. Then again, reminded the people that he met a worse situation at the time he took over as governor and that he was working hard to perfect a solution to the challenge. By every assessment, it is unclear if such comments should weigh more than “political statements.” The high point of Soludo’s latest broadcast was yet another promise to launch “operation udo ga achi” in January of 2025. Once again, emphasizing his vision to ensure that Anambra retains the position of the safest state in Nigeria while assuring of a safe and secure Christmas. However, one week after that broadcast, Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the House of Assembly representing Onitsha North I constituency, was kidnapped in Onitsha metropolis on the eve of the 2024 Christmas. Then, on Christmas Day, no fewer than three kidnap cases involving three vehicles were reported at Isu Aniocha which is just a few minutes’ drive to the State capital.
For context, in his manifesto, Governor Soludo had promised to “have a zero-tolerance for cultism, harassment, and extortion of citizens in the market and roads in Anambra.” This is a major thrust of his security agenda. But under this administration, pestle-welding young men are revenue agents or enforcers. Only less than two months ago, Okey Akaneme, a former president of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce was brutalized in his home in Onitsha and inflicted with over 60% spinal damage by these revenue thugs. Again in his manifesto, Governor Soludo assures that his administration will “Continue and strengthen the current security architecture of the State and deepen dialogue and collaboration with critical stakeholders in the security space to ensure that Anambra continues to remain the safest state in Nigeria.” This is not in any way different from what the governor said over two years ago and the recent broadcast one week ago, after which all manner of insecurity has continued to be the experience of residents and visitors to Anambra State. Even more troubling is why the governor decided to postpone his “operation udo ga achi” which he spoke so highly of, till January of 2025 when he could have unleashed it not even today or yesterday, but two years ago. It is surely reasonable not to expect much from Soludo on security.
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- Police Arrest Nine Suspects Involved In Killing Of Anambra Lawmaker - February 8, 2025
- Silence Over Kidnapped Anambra Lawmaker Breaks After his Death - February 8, 2025
- Soludo’s Hometown Erupts: Protest Over Youth Killings by Agunechemba - February 7, 2025