On Thursday during plenary, the Anambra State House of Assembly considered an executive Bill entitled “Anambra State Homeland Security Bill”. The Bill introduced to the Assembly on Thursday created a new security outfit known as “Agunaechemba.” The law upon introduction on Thursday, was expedited, read for the first, second, and third time, and then passed into law.
The Bill to establish Agunechemba and provide for the maintenance of internal security and order in the State is expected to come into effect on January 17, 2025. The law has also repealed the 2015 Anambra State Vigilante Law.
In a joint press conference with the Chairmen and members of the House Committee on Media and Publicity and the Committee on Information, the Chairman of the Committee on Media, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, said that this is one of the most essential laws that the Assembly has passed. Speaking on the law’s contents, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu said that it empowered the Presidents General of communities to make regular security reports.
Other aspects of the law include the requirement of valid means of identification from lodgers in hotels across the state. The law also required landlords to have details of their intending tenants, Hon. Okechukwu revealed. The law further provides action against unexplainable wealth, okite, and ezenwanyi practices relating to money rituals, thereby propagating the narrative of quick money. “Don’t cause public nuisance in the name of religion,” Hon. Okechukwu said.
Reacting, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, the Majority Leader of the House, said that the law is community-based. He also reiterated that the House is prepared. “We are prepared, and all hands must be on deck,” Hon. Ikenna said.
For Hon. Tony Muobuike, the law is solid and well-crafted. He further emphasized the law’s provisions for landlords and hoteliers to verify tenants and lodgers validly.
Responding to questions from journalists on human rights protection, safety of information providers, and the position of Anambra Vigilante Group – AVG, as well as possible demobilization and disarmament of the AVG, the committee gave various ideas, to assuage those concerns.
On human rights protection, Hon. Ejike said that the law provides coverage for Agunechemba operatives while on duty. But also frowns at any kind of rights violation. On the question of the safety of information providers, Hon. Ejike said that the information givers are protected by law. This was strengthened by Hon. Patrick Okafor, who cited the whistle-blower law, thereby strengthening the argument that informants are protected by law.
On the question of managing AVG personnel and possible disarmament, Hon. Okechukwu said that the Agunechemba outfit will eventually replace the AVG. In his reaction, Hon. Ofodeme said that Agunechemba provides for a renewed and more structured outfit.
About three weeks ago, Governor Soludo promised to flag off “operation udo ga achi” in response to the incessant insecurity troubling the state. The security situation in Anambra remains dire, and results are expected from the new framework in the coming weeks.
- APC has Fundamental Interest in Anambra State – Uzu Okagbue - February 8, 2025
- APC National Chairman to Commission New Party State Secretariat in Anambra - February 6, 2025
- Ojukwu Varsity responds to alleged petition by unnamed staffers to EFCC - February 3, 2025
One comment
Oliver Anyabolu
January 19, 2025 at 11:26 am
I want to establish contact with you. I write on various issues to lift humanity and helps the society to continue to make progress.