By Jude Atupulazi
The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has convened a crucial meeting with traditional rulers and Presidents-General representing all 179 communities in the state.
The gathering commenced with a moment of silence held in honour of the recently deceased President-General of Umuoji and the victims of the Odu-Igbo Market tragedy in Ochanja, Onitsha.
The central agenda of the meeting bordered on security, environmental and community development.
After listening to questions, contributions, and suggestions from the audience, the governor stated that if the Southeast Region were to shut down, it would not go unnoticed by Nigeria, and potential investors would be less likely to come to the state.
‘To provide context to our dialogue, I assure you that we will work to solve all the problems you have raised. Let’s maintain a forward-looking perspective and continue to contribute in any way we can. I was diligently taking notes on all the matters raised today.
‘Regarding the environment, we have abolished indiscriminate sand mining in all communities as it is the root cause of erosion. Anambra is shrinking due to erosion. If we don’t take action today, including desilting our drainages, the situation will worsen.
‘We have implemented a building code for Ndigbo building houses in Anambra. This code requires that an area be left for greenery and water channeling to prevent further erosion.
‘We are waiting for communities to recertify the lists of selected vigilantes in their communities before I sign their monthly payments. However, the traditional ruler and PG will be held responsible, if the vigilantes they select are not of good conduct.
‘How many of those in charge of community vigilantes reside in their communities? This is a very critical question I throw to you all. How can the Commander of Achalla Vigilante, for example, be living in Awka or Onitsha? It’s not possible, which is why I raise this fundamental issue of command and control,’ the Governor said.
Soludo, who also raised the issue of cultism in Ihiala, reiterated that his government spent the most on security infrastructure in Ihiala compared to any other local government.
He stated, ‘Part of the problem we experience is that many of the vigilante operatives took oaths with criminals; they were infiltrated.
‘We, as a government, are determined to fix the insecurity situation in Ihiala, but the community must be prepared for that, even if it means reconstituting the vigilante force. Communities must show a concerted effort to police their areas and enable them to open on Mondays. They must convince their residents to open businesses consistently, and if this is done persistently, the issue of sit-at-home will eventually die out.’
Earlier, the Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hailed from Abia State and wondered why there was no sit-at-home in Abia State, but Anambra was headquarters for the sit-at-home.
He further stated that the logic behind the sit-at-home, aimed at killing the South East Economy, was a vague idea, and unknowingly, Ndigbo were the ones killing themselves.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; Head of Service, Barr Theodora Igwegbe; Chief of Protocol Chinedu Nwoye; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne; and the National President of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, Barr. Titus Akpudo, were among those who attended the meeting.
