23rd Ofala: Achebe Decries Alarming Rate of Violent Criminality in Onitsha, Soludo’s Stands on AVG Funding

By Praise Chinecherem

Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe has expressed worry over Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision not to provide an additional funding for the Anambra Vigilante operatives amidst increased violent criminal activities in the community.

Achebe stated this on Friday at the 23rd Ofala festival in Onitsha, themed, “Courage, Perseverance and Self-reliance”

He said although government had earlier doubled its contribution for the AVG of N10,000 each from 10 to 20 persons, such still left the community and others with additional cost, increasing the burden with the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage.

“The governor has declared categorically that government would not provide any additional funding for the Vigilante Service, while maintaining that traditional rulers, as chief security officers of their community, would be held accountable for any security breaches.

“Already, our urbanized and sprawling domain is stretched beyond limit to adequately meet the bare essential salary so as to avoid loss of morale and commitment amongst our combined vigilante personnel numbering 36,” he added.

The Royal Father also lamented the discontinuation of monthly meetings of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC) by state government seven months ago following his letter to Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs over suspension of two monarchs in the state.

Describing the move as unfortunate, Achebe said the development had crippled the Council’s activities, including meetings to deliberate on matters of state interest and participating in affairs of nation’s traditional institutions at national and sub-national levels.

“This is most unfortunate at this period that other states, as well as Federal government and National Assembly are seriously seeking ways to enhance the relevance of the traditional institution in the country,” he decried.

On the prevailing insecurity ravaging the country, the Monarch urged President Bola Tinubu to convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit to forge collective way forward for the country.

He said the call has become inevitable following continuing insecurity and effects of sudden removal of fuel price subsidy.

He identified economy and security as two areas of concern, regretting that their effects had affected cost of living, business closure, loss of employment, state of hopelessness and lack of trust in government.

He regretted that the situation had exacerbated despite calls by several individuals and organizations, urging government to give urgent attention to its fundamental constitutional responsibility of security and well-being of citizens.

“Some of the specific views put forward include devolution and downsizing of governance, nexus between insecurity, agriculture and high cost of living, impact of fuel price, bad governance driven by corruption and political leaders ostentatious lifestyle.

“In the Southeast zone, we still face the unrelenting scourge of the unknown gunmen who kill, maim and kidnap their fellow Ndigbo for money. Schools, market and public facilities have remained closed on Mondays at enormous and social cost to Ndigbo,” he lamented.

Appreciating God, ancestors and sponsors for a successful festival, Achebe listed areas of focus in the coming years to include continued support for young entrepreneurs and women, revitalizing strategy on war against illicit drug peddling and addiction, among other areas.