Members of the African Action Congress have criticised the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over the increasing insecurity in the state, saying that Anambra, which is known as the light of the nation, is now “struggling with the darkness of insecurity and fear of unknown gunmen” under the governor.
The chairperson of the AAC in the state, Chioma Ifemeludike, made these assertions in Awka, on Wednesday during a press conference on the state of emergency regarding security in Anambra State.
Ifemeludike lamented that in less than four weeks, Anambra had witnessed the abduction of seven prominent citizens, including clergymen and women, as well as ordinary residents.
She noted that comments on the street suggest that organ harvesters and serial killers are also on the loose.
According to her, villages and communities in Anambra State have recently been ransacked and invaded by what is commonly referred to as “unknown gunmen,” making it increasingly difficult to secure the lives of Ndi Anambra.
She said, “This press conference is called to address the growing concerns on the increasing rate of insecurity in Anambra. This sounds like an era of cannibalism introduced into our communities, where everyone goes about their daily lives fearfully as if human lives no longer matter.
“With what is happening, no one is safe in the hands of the unscrupulous elements, both official and unofficial, masked and unmasked.
“The state government’s declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity is a mere political statement or lip service, due to the government’s inability to effect any significant change.”
The party, however, urged the state government to take proactive measures in matters of insecurity, adding that the menace is crippling business and economic activities.
“We urge the Anambra State governor to take charge and be proactive in matters that affect the security of lives in the state, as this is the bedrock of commercial activity and development in our dear state.
“This menace is suffocating and almost crippling business activities in the state. The men of the underworld have caused mayhem, pain, and suffering to the physical, financial, and emotional well-being of the good people of Anambra.
“Their activities have gotten so bad that people now avoid travelling or disguise themselves when they need to visit home. This situation is totally unacceptable, and everyone must rise to challenge the faceless men who have terrorised, oppressed, kidnapped, and in many cases, murdered innocent citizens in the state.”
She further said that Soludo is responsible for the insecurity, as he is the chief executive in the state, with the primary duty of securing lives.
She called on Ndi Anambra to organize and speak with one voice against the evil ravaging the state. The AAC State Chairperson stated that these individuals or groups have declared war against Anambra, and they must not be allowed to survive.
She called on the police authorities, including the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, to call their officers to order, improve their welfare, and ensure that salaries and incentives are increased.
“How do we have all these roadblocks at every two poles, yet kidnappers are still operating in the state? This is possible because the police are more interested in the money they collect from commuters than in ensuring public safety. Do you know they collect this money and give change? When they collect these funds, they don’t care who’s passing; whether someone’s head is in the boot is not their concern,” she said.
Ifemeludike also called on the police to take better care of their officers, stating that those on the roads.
“Police officers are only concerned with collecting money, while criminals are getting away right under their noses. This is ridiculous!”
She also vowed that the AAC would use every tool available to them, including social media and street protests, to engage the Anambra State government and demand action to resolve the situation.
Also speaking, the State Secretary of the party, Nnaji Chinonso, said that the current situation in the state is unprecedented.
Chinonso urged the state governor to take charge and not leave the state to criminals.
According to him, whatever is happening in the state, the governor should be held responsible, adding that Ndi Anambra wants the governor to rescue the state from criminal elements.