By Emeka Ozumba
“We cannot allow 0.01% who are criminals define 99.1% of us.”
This statement encapsulates the resolve of Mr. Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, at the unveiling of The Anambra State Homeland Security law and the launch of Special Security Operation, Udo Ga-Achi” with “Agunechemba” a new Vigilante architecture being the fulcrum of the strike force to root out marauding criminal gangs from Anambra shores.
The special operation which was launched on January 18, 2025 at International Convention Centre, Awka rests on “a robust security system with zero tolerance to criminality,” and will act as bulwark against “lucrative criminality adorned with deceptive ideology and propaganda,” said Prof Soludo.
The actual implementation of Udo Ga-Achi involves the deployment of technology with active collaboration of federal security agencies and support of ndi Anambra to assure sustainability.
But how did Anambra, reputed for its enterprise and progressive collectivism lose it’s essence on the altar of false liberators turned marauders?
Many agree with Mr. Governor that the character and dynamics of criminality particularly in the Southeast has evolved and become hydra-headed in the last two years. Yet, some beg to differ that whereas the challenge was flagged early, the seeming apathy by the administration to confront the threats head-on allowed it to fester, and equally emboldened the miscreants to the extent that their ranks swelled under his watch. Those who hold this opinion argue that the vigilante security option at the state level was reactive and did not excel during the period because they didn’t get enough logistics support and active collaboration of relevant security agencies that equally lacked support funding from the state.
On his part, Prof. Soludo identified abdication of responsibility by one and all! Whereas the administration seemed lost in planning, stakeholders played the ostrich. Hence, everyone was caught in the bind as criminals appeared to have a field day.
Perhaps, lack of an effective legal instrument was an impediment but thankfully the launch of the new Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, which repealed and replaced the State Vigilant Act, provides a new framework for the much needed logistics support and sophistication to the security agencies.
The provision of 200 patrol vehicles equipped with modern gadgets to aid command and control, tracking system and AI-powered surveillance cameras amongst other incentives are clear statements of intent that Anambra is no longer a playground for criminals and criminality.
It was Cicero’s informed opinion that; “The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment.”
Soludo deserves commendation, ditto the Anambra State House of Assembly for recognizing the multifaceted security challenges buffeting the state and strengthening the hands of the law and institutions, as well as promoting renewed citizen involvement in confronting the menace.
Since ignorance of the law is no excuse, the recommended handbook should be printed pronto and distributed widely in furtherance of public awareness and enlightenment.
Already, the Chairman, Anambra State House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon Ejike Okechukwu has done well by distilling relevant sections of the law for ease of understanding.
Considering the somewhat hasty nature of the Legislative procedure which saw the First, Second and Third Reading sail-through with hardly much attention to public input and scrutiny through a Hearing, there are bound to be some concerns.
But then, there are no perfect laws, which is why there is the room for amendments. Any section of the law that seems in conflict with the Nigerian Constitution will be resolved by law. All told, the new law reflects the exigencies of our time and space in Anambra.
Hopefully, it will curtail the burgeoning vigilante culture and the seeming lack of restraint which exacerbated the tit-for-tat with the malevolent malcontents in beastly existence in forests across some communities.
With Agunechemba operating at local levels and assisting the Police, DSS, Army, Airforce and Civil Defence, those engaging in substance abuse, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, organ harvesting, cultism and are emboldened by the warped ideology of neo-paganism and criminal idolatry must be flushed out. It is better late than never, and may Agunechemba succeed!
Ozumba is Managing Consultant of Ozion Limited, political communications strategists.
