A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, Paul Chukwuma, has strongly criticised the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the worsening insecurity in the state.
Chukwuma argued that the poor management of security in Anambra has led to frequent loss of lives and citizens living in perpetual fear.
He called on the public to scrutinise the utilisation of the security votes received by the state governor since assuming office.
The APC chieftain, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Olivia University, Burundi, made these remarks during an interactive session with journalists at his Umueri country home in Anambra East Local Government Area on Saturday.
He said the Soludo administration has failed Ndi Anambra in the area of security, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
He stated, “People now live in an environment of fear. Every day, people are kidnapped, killed, and maimed. The peaceful coexistence we were accustomed to is fading away.
“Insecurity in Anambra is becoming increasingly dire. Residents, particularly investors, are being kidnapped daily. Farmers no longer feel safe going to their farms for fear of abduction. With Christmas approaching, people are afraid to return home to celebrate. We have never experienced such insecurity before.
“The state government should take responsibility for its citizens’ security. Tackling insecurity should be the government’s top priority. However, at the moment, the government appears to be doing nothing. People should question the use of the state’s security vote and ask the governor how these funds are being utilised.
“There is no evidence that Soludo is supporting the security agencies with these funds. No vehicles have been provided to the police, and nothing concrete is being done — just empty promises and verbose speeches. It’s a shame.
“The state government is busy constructing roads that deteriorate quickly, while citizens are being kidnapped daily. I strongly believe that the APC, under my leadership as governor, has the capacity to address these challenges, which is why I have put myself forward to serve the people.”
Chukwuma also urged the media to assist in raising awareness about the insecurity in Anambra State, stressing the urgent need to redeem the state from what he termed as a failed administration.
Additionally, he commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mark Okoye as Managing Director of the South-East Development Commission.
He dismissed concerns over the appointment of individuals believed to be members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, describing their selection as a victory for the South-East, irrespective of party affiliations.
He remarked, “For years, the argument was that the APC government was not supportive of Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo. However, with APC now appointing Ndi Anambra, people are still complaining.
“The question is: are the appointees Ndi Anambra or not? If they are, what is the issue? Personally, as an aspirant, I see nothing wrong with the President appointing APGA members. It demonstrates an all-inclusive approach to governance.”
Chukwuma reiterated his commitment to addressing insecurity, infrastructural challenges, unemployment, and other socio-economic issues in Anambra.
He pledged to run an all-inclusive government that delivers the dividends of democracy to every citizen in the state.
He also promised to remain accessible, prioritise qualitative education, and listen to the needs of the people, irrespective of their political affiliations.
