… SAYS SECURITY SITUATION IN ANAMBRA FRIGHTENING
The former Chairman of Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke, on Thursday advised the Anambra State governor-elect, Prof. Charles Soludo, to give priority to security in his administration.
Okeke said during an interactive session with journalists in his residence in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state, that without security, the state will not be attractive to investors.
He said that many people especially the affluent ones are relocating out of the state with their investments because of the current wave of insecurity in the South East in general and Anambra State in particular.
“Anambra was one of the safest states in Nigeria. Gov Willie Obiano even got an award for being security conscious.
“Unfortunately, things are returning to the old ways. Two policemen got killed during Prof Soludo’s campaign.
“We don’t even talk about robbery again which has assumed an all time high, but kidnap of people for ransom which is of course the offshoot of EndSARS protests.
“Unknown gunmen went on rampage during the Endsars protest and most of the police stations in the state were razed down. Its just now that efforts are being made to rebuild the burnt stations. Its a very bad situation. Policemen are even afraid to go back to their duty post now.
“The effect of the spill over from Imo state is taking its toll on Anambra communities like Orsumoghu, Lilu, Azia, Ukpor, Ezinifite and so on. The situation is frightening.” He said.
Okeke pointed out that he has discovered from his interactions with top echelon of security agencies that most of the conventional security organizations have inadequate personnel.
“I have advised them to build huge blockade between Imo and Anambra. The economy of Anambra State is badly affected because of the collapse of the security apparatus of the state.
“It has become imperative for the communities to rise up and defend their towns if the conventional security agencies are handicapped.
“Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has nothing to do with the evil going on at the moment, the perpetrators are common criminals and they should be treated so.
“The Ebenebe incident is still fresh in our memory. Kidnapping, cultism, mkpurumili and all the evil going on in Anambra State have reduced the state to Armageddon.” The former police boss stressed.
The former PSC chairman however insisted that the war against crime should be a collective responsibility.
He noted that every community knows the good and the bad ones and would do well to expose the criminals for the general good.
Okeke who endorsed the former Governor, Peter Obi’s approach of demolishing homes of kidnappers and their supporters said that death penalty for kidnappers is not out of place.
“I expect Prof Soludo to invest in the local vigilante.”He said.
The former police boss who was one of distinguished personalities recognized and awarded by the outgoing governor, Chief Obiano at the newly commissioned International Conference Centre, Awka on Wednesday also urged the incoming governor to make it a point of duty to rehabilitate the existing roads and as well build new ones.
While commending Obiano for the legacy projects he built especially the Airport, Okeke said that posterity would be kind to the outgoing governor for the projects.
However, he appealed l Soludo to ensure that the airport, International Conference Centre and the Awka Township Stadium are adequately maintained.
