.jpeg)
By Okechukwu Onuegbu
An educationist and philanthropist of international repute, Sir Paul Chukwuma has called for intervention of stakeholders in combating insecurity in Anambra State, noting that governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration has allowed the State to turn into a war zone.
Chukwuma, who is the Pro-Chancellor Olivia University Bujumbura Burundi, lamented that insecurity has not only turned most parts of the State into uninhabited land but scares away foreign and local investors even as people no longer return home or conduct memorial or celebrations.
This according to him, is why there was need for stakeholders from all walks of lives, including the captains of industry, intellects, security experts and others should gather to brainstorm on best way of combating crimes and criminalities.
The governorship aspirant of All Progressive Congress (APC) stated this at a breakfast meeting held at his country home, Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area (LGA), on Saturday, wondering why governor Soludo whose primary responsibility was to secure lives and property of the citizenry appeared not to be doing enough if any at all.
"Our economy is dead. Our education is failing. Only the missionary schools are performing excellently. Anambra people are dying. Stakeholders need to brainstorm on how to checkmate insecurity in our State. We want to protect our people coming for Christmas and New year. We want to see that Soludo guantatees security of lives to Anambra populace.
" Anambra State is turning into a war zone under Soludo's administration. It is very unfortunate that we have a government in state that finds it difficult to attend to our needs. The facts are there that govt is not doing anything to tackle it. We need to speak out. It is not enough to tell people to come out on Mondays when you are not doing anything to address the insecurity," he added.
He further called on governor Chukwuma Soludo to account for what he was using the security votes he collects from the federal government for.
He also spoke on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approved appointment of Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, a life board member of APGA, as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and the immediate past Commissioner for Anambra State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Mark Okoye as Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, South East Development Commission.
The appointment has sparked controversy in Anambra State with many arguing that President Tinubu was more comfortable with the State ruling APGA than APC, and would likely support governor Chukwuma Soludo's reelection in 2025 against his party (APC).
But Chukwuma dismissed such allegations, insisting that Tinubu was playing the role of a father, a democrat in the principle of federal character and love to deliver the dividends of democracy using credible, qualified and resourceful personalities across the federation.
According to him, appointing people from across political divides would not also make the President or the appointees to work against the APC because he remains the leader of the country and committed towards providing security of life and property, and enabling environment for all to thrive.
"There was a time people were alleging that the President and APC hates the Southeast. But today, reverse is the case as president is appointing credible persons from Anambra State and other parts of Southeast to head ministries, agencies and parastals.
"So, the President should be commended for appointing our credible people in his cabinet. He is not only appointing APGA members as some persons alleged. He has appointed other qualified APC members and none politicians into key positions in his cabinet. We commend him for that, and will support him in all he is doing for peace and development of Anambra and Nigeria," he stated.