Anambra 2021: How Candidates Promised To Tackle Insecurity As IPOB Suspends Sit-At-Home
The separatist group, IPOB, has suspended its curfew following the intervention of elders, traditional institutions, and religious leaders in the state. But security remains on the front burner of issues that will determine who gets elected governor.
There was relief in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, as a proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), announced the suspension of its planned sit-at-home curfew ahead of the gubernatorial election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to hold the election on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.
IPOB had before now declared a one week sit-at-home protest from Nov. 5 to 10 to sabotage the polls. The move was to protest the arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu, its leader, by the Nigerian government.
The development triggered worry amongst residents who fear that IPOB members are deadly and can go any length to hurt anyone who disobeys their order.
Meanwhile, the separatist group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a statement Thursday evening said the sit-at-home order has now been cancelled “following the genuine intervention of our elders, esteemed traditional institutions/rulers and religious leaders.”
As residents of the state planned to vote tomorrow, HumAngle reviewed the security promises of some of the major candidates contesting in the election.
Although a total of 18 political parties are contesting for the seat of power, seven major parties — Young Progressive Party (YPP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party (AP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and African Democratic Party (ADC) — are considered the key contenders based on public opinion and accessibility in the state.
Andy Uba – APC
Andy Uba is a former senator elected into the red chamber to represent Anambra South Senatorial District in April 2011.
In his 28-page manifesto, security topped the list of what he promised to take seriously. He said he would initiate an All-Hands-On-Deck (AHOD) collaborative programme which would be between the Anambra State Government, local communities, and members of the Anambra Vigilante Services to boost information and intelligence gathering networks between the relevant stakeholders.
He promised to also create inter-community conflict resolution centres for quick mediation of disputes before they escalate to communal violence.
Valentine Ozigbo – PDP
Valentine is a former President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp).
To tackle insecurity, he said in his manifesto that he would improve the community-led vigilante activities in Anambra. He also plans to create consensus with traditional rulers, youth groups, and other key stakeholders to ensure speedy and effective conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Chukwuma Soludo – APGA
He is a professor of economics and former governor and chairman of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Soludo is also a member of the British Department for International Development’s International Advisory Group.
According to his 72-page manifesto, Soludo hopes to work with the Federal Government on state security and the provision of adequate logistics and material support to security agencies in the state. On his part, he promised security agents good infrastructure, surveillance, and communications tools to enhance their capacity to safeguard residents and their properties.
Lastly, he promised to reinforce the capability of the existing security system through the employment and equipment of more personnel as well as the training and retraining of vigilante officers to improve their effectiveness.
Obiora Dikeora – ZLP
Obiora holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Political Science from the Russian Academy of Science, Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Moscow.
He noted in his 21-page manifesto that to tackle insecurity, he will promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation among communities on an ongoing basis using conflict resolution strategies that would involve the government, traditional rulers, the church, and other institutions.
He also promised to work with other Southeast states to create an effective regional security network.
Akachukwu Nwankpo – ADC
He is a former Special Advisor on Technical Matters to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2007 and Secretary/Member of the Presidential Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) Committee until 2013.
He promised in his 13-page manifesto that security remains his high priority as he planned to build Anambra State End-to-End Security System, establish Anambra State Ministry of Umunna Affairs, establish Office of the Public Defender, and then restore a modern, disciplined and professionally protected Civil Service.
Godwin Maduka – AP
Godwin is a Nigerian-American doctor, businessman, and philanthropist. He is the founder of Las Vegas Pain Institute and Medical Center.
To boost security in Anambra, Godwin said in his 16-page manifesto that he would increase the remuneration and welfare packages of the security agencies.
He also promised to renovate and build new barracks for all the security agencies as well as build 21st-century schools for their children. He proposes to institute regular professional development and training programmes for security agents so they can be up to date on new and modern ways and techniques of law enforcement.
Ifeanyi Ubah – YPP
Ifeanyi Ubah is currently the senator representing Anambra South District at the National Assembly as the only elected official of his party.
He is a businessman, entrepreneur, and CEO of Capital Oil.
He promised to improve security through modernised security systems and improved community policing.
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