By Ignatius Anauno
For several months now, Anambra State under Governor Charles Soludo, has been grappling with significant security challenges. This has resulted in the loss of numerous lives, with criminal activities such as kidnapping and targeted assassinations becoming a tradition.
The state’s economy, which has traditionally been anchored in tourism, has suffered severely. Both investors and residents alike have been deterred by the rising levels of insecurity, leading to diminished economic activity. The resultant fear among the populace is not only exacerbating their daily challenges but is also causing widespread hunger and a sense of hopelessness. With little assurance of a safer future, the situation in Anambra continues to deteriorate.
In his recent visit to Enugu, President Bola Tinubu made an insightful observation, praising the commendable security strides of Governors Mbah of Enugu State and Otti of Abia State. These governors, within a mere 2-3 months of taking office, were able to stamp out the ‘sit-at-home’ phenomenon and create enabling environment for investors by providing robust security. This success story has had positive ripple effect, fostering economic activity and instilling confidence among residents.
Regrettably, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who promised to eliminate the sit-at-home and combat criminality within his first few months in office, has yet to achieve tangible results. His administration has faced significant challenges, and insecurity has worsened under his leadership. The Christmas season of 2024, for instance, witnessed alarming surge in kidnappings and other criminal activities, a sharp contrast to the relative calm of previous years. This has further instilled fear in the people, leading many to reconsider traveling home during the upcoming festive seasons.
For instance, on December 24, 2024, a lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 state constituency in Anambra assembly, Justice Azuka, was kidnapped, and nobody is sure whether he is still alive. On December 26, 2024, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Nnewi, Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, was brutally murdered in Ihiala area of the state. On December 27, 2024, 3 principal staff of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturering Company were kindaped in Nnewi area of the state, and till date, they are not released. On Monday, December 30th, 2024, gunmen killed 7 persons, including policemen, at a burial ceremony at Ihiala area of the state. Earlier on December 7, 2024, a retired Anglican Archbishop, Prof. Godwin Okpala, was kidnapped alongside his personal driver within Umuchu area of the state. It was learnt that the church paid heavily to secure their release after about 4 weeks in captivity. Also, within the same period, another Catholic priest, Fr. Nonso, was kinaped, and Fr. Ebube Muonso, according to him, committed huge sum of money to track the kidnappers, and rescue the victim. The latest of the religious persons kidnapped are 2 Reverend Sisters: Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, who were abducted on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. These incidents represent just a few of the many terrible happenings in the state that have elicited no response from the state government.
From the foregoing, it’s very clear that Governor Soludo’s campaign promise to make Anambra Dubai was just one of those deceits our people face from insincere leaders who play on their intelligence. Governor Soludo has not taken into consideration the security and welfare of the people of Anambra State which should be the primary responsibility of any government.
It is as a result of these cases of insecurity in Anambra that the Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, (Uke), Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma aka Fr Ebube Muonso, in his 2025 New Year message, tackled Governor Soludo, and challenged him to resign his office as governor, if he wouldn’t perform; a development that led to a rift between the Catholic priest on one hand, and Soludo and his supporters on the other hand.
The Igbo have a saying that when a king misbehaves, his subjects will hide their faces behind a basket and speak to him in a language he understands. The security situation in Anambra State has deteriorated to such an extent that well-meaning citizens like Fr. Ebube Muonso, can no longer remain silent and watch things worsen further.
One clear fact in the South East today is that Anambra ranks highest in insecurity. The situation has become so dire that no week passes without horrible news about killings and abductions of citizens, while the state government carries on as though nothing is amiss.
When Fr. Ebube Muonso spoke out about the precarious security situation in the state and challenged the government to address these issues, all hell broke loose. Government agents began to insult the revered priest and calling him various names. While one could overlook many of these insults due to the character of those making them, the Information Commissioner’s shocking response left many speechless.
The commissioner’s use of gutter language against a priest of God, simply because the priest called on his state’s leader to protect his people, is most unbecoming of anyone holding public office. It becomes even more egregious coming from one who describes himself as a knight of the Church.
This behaviour is shameful, undignifying, and embarrassing, and deserves an apology.
When did it become anathema in Anambra State for citizens to question their government? When did it become a crime for citizens to protest against harmful government policies? Are we no longer in a democracy?
The right to question government policies stands as a cornerstone of democracy in Anambra State. Citizens’ voices, especially those raising concerns about public safety, deserve respect rather than retribution.
Therefore, Law Mefor and his likes, who opted to insult a priest of God for telling the truth to the authority instead of taking constructive advice, should be made to apologise to the priest. Fr. Ebube Muonso is also urged to swallow these insults, while also not allowing himself to be intimidated by people who obviously do not mean well for Anambra state.
Anambra’s future depends on our willingness to face truths and demand better from our leaders. May God protect His people as we work toward the security and dignity our state deserves.
Ignatius Anauno writes from Nando, Anambra State
