By Our Correspondent
The governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has alleged that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo receives about N3 billion every month as security vote, yet insecurity continues to ravage the state.
Speaking on Arise TV, Chukwuma said it was disturbing that such huge funds had not translated into improved safety for the people.
“Anambra State Government collects in the neighbourhood of N3 billion monthly as security vote, yet insecurity continues unabated in our dear state,” he declared.
He faulted what he described as the Soludo administration’s inability to stem the tide of killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes despite the massive allocation, saying the situation shows either a lack of strategy or political will to address insecurity in the state.
The YPP candidate promised that if elected governor, his administration would prioritise security and adopt what he termed “going back to the basics” in tackling the menace.
He explained that his government would embark on comprehensive street and house mapping across all local government areas, ensuring that every street and building has an approved name and number.
Occupants of such buildings, he said, would be identified and captured in a government database at no cost, with individuals required to update their addresses whenever they move.
Chukwuma also pledged to channel security votes directly into security-related expenditures.
He listed among his priorities the establishment of a 24/7 emergency helpline, installation of CCTV cameras across the state linked to a centralised surveillance centre, modernisation of police stations, provision of durable patrol vehicles with trackers and communication gadgets, as well as the creation of 21 service centres with fuelling stations across the local governments for vehicle maintenance.
He further promised to procure firearms, drones, trackers and other policing equipment, alongside additional training and allowances for policemen posted to Anambra, with a minimum four-year service requirement similar to the Lagos model.
Community vigilantes, he added, would be trained for neighbourhood watch duties but placed under the supervision of police stations in their areas.
According to him, these measures are not only achievable but affordable if funds are properly utilised.
“When you do the maths, you will realise these are totally doable. What Anambra needs is a leader that understands what must be done and, more importantly, has the will to do them. I am that man,” he said.
Chukwuma maintained that the path to a secure Anambra begins with local government autonomy and prudent use of security votes, insisting that Governor Soludo has either failed to understand how to systematically tackle insecurity or lacks the resolve to act decisively.
However, Governor Soludo has in the past defended his administration’s spending on security.
He has repeatedly argued that the state government has invested heavily in supporting and equipping security agencies, strengthening local vigilante groups, and providing logistics for joint security operations across Anambra.
The governor has also maintained that while challenges remain, his government has made significant progress in restoring peace in many troubled parts of the state, stressing that security remains a top priority of his administration.
