Anambra State – Valentine Ozigbo, ObiDient leader, Anambra 2025 Guber hopeful and former PDP governorship candidate, has tackled Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and called for a united front to tackle the rising wave of insecurity in Anambra State. In a heartfelt statement addressed to Ndi Anambra, Ozigbo stressed the urgency of addressing the violence and lawlessness plaguing the state, irrespective of the government’s priorities.
Ozigbo decried the insecurity that has turned Anambra into a danger zone, making peaceful living a distant memory for many residents. “Under our collective watch, the most critical task at hand is ensuring that Ndi Anambra can once again sleep peacefully, free from fear,” he said.
He urged Gov. Soludo to stop the culture of blame, whether directed at churches, traditional institutions, or any other group, and instead focus on lawful coexistence. He invoked the Igbo adage, “Nwa mmụọ anaghị agba nwa mmadu; nwa mmadu anaghị agba nwa mmụọ” (Let neither the spiritual nor the human destroy one another), to underline the need for harmony.
Addressing the youth engaged in criminal activities, Ozigbo acknowledged the harsh economic realities facing many but insisted that resorting to violence was not the solution. “Destroying your own communities or life you haven’t created is not the solution,” he warned, adding that reports confirm both state and non-state actors have exacerbated the crisis.
Ozigbo laid out a five-point strategy to address the insecurity:
1.State Security Summit: Bring together stakeholders to craft long-term, sustainable solutions.
2.Accountability from Security Agencies: Ensure greater responsibility from security operatives to protect lives and property.
3.Youth Empowerment Programmes: Implement initiatives to tackle the root causes of crime, including unemployment and poverty.
4.Strengthened Local Security Structures: Organise and synergise local vigilante groups and other community policing mechanisms.
5.“See Something, Say Something” Campaign: Create a robust intelligence-sharing framework to deter criminal activities.
Ozigbo was clear that his call for action transcends politics, stressing that the situation is about survival and the future of Anambra State. “The documented violations of Nigerian criminal law and international humanitarian law require urgent intervention. No more delays. No more empty promises,” he stated emphatically.
Ozigbo’s statement has sparked widespread support across social media platforms, with many echoing his call for immediate action using hashtags like #SaveAnambra and #WakeUpNdiAnambra. Residents have also expressed hope that his proposed solutions will serve as a blueprint for restoring peace in the state.
As insecurity continues to challenge the peace and stability of Anambra, Valentine Ozigbo’s bold call for unity and action highlights the need for urgent measures to safeguard the state’s future. Whether these calls will lead to tangible results or remain another unheeded warning remains to be seen.
For Ndi Anambra, the message is clear: the time to act is now.