Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, has criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s planned security outfit.
Valentine Ozigbo said the decision of Governor Soludo to tackle insecurity plaguing the state since he took over the administration was political.
In a statement on Saturday, Ozigbo stated that the Governor was not sincere in his move to operate a state security structure.
“Recently, Anambra Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, announced measures by his government to checkmate the rising wave of insecurity in the state, tagged, “Operation Udo Ga Achi”.
“According to reports, the operation will be kick-started by the end of January next year.
“In as much as it is good that Soludo has finally decided to act, I however believe the operation should have come long before now so that as our people come home for Christmas they will feel secure.
“But as it is, the measures are belated and are an indication that the governor is bereft of ideas and does not have good advisers.
“Indeed, how can the state be overrun by criminals for 33 months under Soludo’s watch, with security worse under his administration than in any other former regime, and also with many citizens either running away from the state or refusing to return for Christmas.
“Yet, the governor is waiting till next year to address the security situation. I expected the governor to have rolled out these measures within 100 days of his administration as he emptily promised, or way earlier than now so that Ndi Anambra will enjoy a peaceful yuletide and tame businesses from fleeing Anambra State.
“Christmas means a lot to our people and it’s a period many return from far and near to reunite with loved ones. But they’re reluctant to do that now because of insecurity. We are already hearing about a sad case in Umunnachi of a family returning for the yuletide that was gunned down, and in Awka where a lecturer at Unizik was murdered, or are we talking of a retired Archbishop that was kidnapped that is yet to be released? Ozigbo said.
Ozigbo stated that Governor Soludo‘s plan to declare his plan to re-contest the governorship seat was his motivation for the planned security outfit and not out of desire to address insecurity in the state.
He further accused the Anambra State Governor of playing politics with insecurity and infrastructural development in the state.
“The governor cannot claim not to know these but he’s decided to wait till after Christmas to do something.
“It is apparent that his latest effort is politically motivated, especially, given his tendency to brand everything with words from his surname.
“It is a shame and it smacks of lack of compassion, not prioritizing well, improper planning, poor execution, as well as poor advice, if at all he listens to such.
“I’m afraid that some of those who will try to brave the odds to return home may fall victim to the hoodlums while Soludo dithers over taking action.
“For me, Soludo’s idea is pure politics, suspiciously timed to when he will declare for re-election and not borne out of love of Anambra lives. This is also how he has awarded many road contracts he doesn’t intend to finish just to score political points. He should act more and talk less.
“I just hope this won’t be another case of forcing people to ignore sit at home without a plan,” he added.
