Industrialist calls for increased intelligence gathering to address security challenges in Anambra state

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chikason Group of Companies,  Chief Alex Chika Okafor has bemoaned the security situation in Anambra state, lamenting that it could degenerate and worsen economy of the South East geopolitical zone if not addressed. 

Unknown gunmen had in the past one week attacked and killed about five police officers, four naval officers and prison warder, as well as set inmate free, injured others aside destroying some security property.

Okafor, who described the development as a threat to economic development and sustenance of achievements of governor Willie Obiano's administration in the security sector, urged security agencies to increase their intelligence in order to arrest the apparent resurgence of criminal activities in the state.

“Anambra State is the heartland of the South East hence any threat to its economy is a threat to the economic development of the South East Zone. The insecurity in the state may exacerbate youth unemployment and undermine the drive for investment. I want to appeal to security agencies to increase their intelligence in order to arrest the perpetrators and put an end to it,” he stated. 

He disclosed this while receiving the organizing Committee for the Anambra Achievers Legacy Award, (ANALEG) led by Rev. John Ndubuisi, Chairman of All Christians Businessmen's Fellowship, were in his office at Nnewi to convey his nomination as patron  of ANALEG, and one of the recipients of this year’s Akululu Uno Amaka Award by the organization.

Earlier, Mr Alpha Justice, spokesman of Anambra Achievers Legacy Award Committee said that ANALEG  was an offshoot of the Igbo leaders of thought General Assembly, and was registered for recognition of excellence in public life, with Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State as National leader and Justice Anthony Igu, former Justice of the Supreme Court as National patron.

He disclosed that Chief Okafor’s nomination was in “recognition of his pedigree as an eminent individual of noble cause, who is exceptionally reliable and dependable, a great philanthropist and employer of labour."