Chinedum Treasure
A chieftain of Labour Party (LP), Valentine Ozigbo has accused Anambra State government of treating security challenges in the state with kid gloves.
He said government had continually wallowed in self denial, deceit and defence amidst glaring killings, kidnapping, cultism and other criminality across the state.
Speaking on Wednesday in Awka during a security summit organised by member of House of Assembly, representing Awka North and South, Nigeria Henry Mbachu, Ozigbo regretted that government had not treated the challenge as emergency.
He said, “If you want to solve any problem, identifying the problem is already half solved. But when you lie, deny or simply deal with the symptoms without the root cause, you’ve failed.
“Today we’re here because of the incessant banditry, killings, kidnapping and cultism that have taken lives, with statistics of 34 lives lost in just one month.
“There’s no sense of urgency of having an emergency situation, that’s living in denial. And when some of us speak up on the need for more attention to be accorded to security and consequences of lack of attention, some will go into denying, lying and defending themselves. It’s unfortunate.
“I’m here to urge the government of Anambra State to take full account of the fact that security is our number one problem. It’s not roads like some of the aides are saying which have questions in themselves.
“I’ve gone through many gatherings of our people in diaspora and they keep asking me what we are doing about insecurity because they are afraid of coming home. Those who summon courage to visit, keep hiding and moving around with tricycle.”
While commending the convener, for the initiative, Ozigbo urged other lawmakers, regardless of political affiliations to organise similar summit at their constituents.
“I’m happy the summit have several experts who will do justice to the topic and I’m optimistic that their recommendations will be taken serious by the government and higher echelon of the security agencies. But in the event of failure, we’ll get them out and I’ll come in to get the right things done,” he added..
Senator representing Anambra Central, Chief Victor Umeh described the summit as a step in the right direction, expressing optimism of a fruitful outcome.
“Killing is not our culture. We’re solidly behind you, life has no duplicate and there’s no gain in cultism. Awka is blessed by God, especially for being the capital. We should not be known for crime.
“The people themselves should take the bull by the horn. We must bring peace and calmness back to the town so residents and visitors alike can visit and development is assured,” he posited.
Member representing Awka North and South in the green chambers, Lilian Orogbu called on the youths involved in the crime to sheath their swords and give peace a chance.
“Meaningful development and investment cannot be attracted under such environment. God has done all he can do for us by giving us a capital status, we can’t afford to remain a glorified capital,” she said.
Member representing Onitsha South 11, Jude Umennajiego said Awka indigenes have the responsibility of fishing out those behind the killings.
“It’s unfortunate that the seat of power is turning to killing field. Government cannot feign ignorance of the ongoing criminality in the area. I urge the people to collaborate to fish out the perpetrators of the crimes,” he stated.
Anglican Archbishop of Awka Diocese, Rt Rev Alexander Ibezim, represented by Canon David Enemuo maintained that security remained everyone’s responsibility.
“If our society will be better, it will start from home, church, school, not only politicians. We must frown at bloodletting through cultism. The greatest witchcraft is how we think. The more we expose the criminals, the better for us,” he added.
Earlier, Convener of the summit, Member representing Awka South 1, Henry Mbachu said the summit was informed by growing cases of crimes and criminality, particularly cultism as well as finding solutions to the vices.
He said he had prioritised youth employment on assumption of office but had to adjust the priority following spate of killings in his constituency.
“We have 56 gates and more than 18 vigilante groups. We have people in the military, yet insecurity has been on the increase. We’re having records of death of young fathers. I can tell you that the people that have pursued us away are not up to 100.
“Yes, urbanisation comes with its vices, but we’re not the only town that is urbanised. When I entered the house, my priority was employment, but it has to change to insecurity in order to tackle it head-on.
“I’ve traveled to 11 states to consult people on way out. I’m happy many are here. We’ll take the communique to the governor to ensure lasting peace in our community.”
About Author
