*calls on elite.to stop conspiracy of silence
By; PAMELA EBOH Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has warned politicians playing politics with insecurity, that they are riding a tiger.
He described the current trajectory as a road to desolation saying that it is time to get around the table and talk.
Soludo who made the statement during his inaugural speech at the Agu-Awka Government House, called on the elite in the closet to come out and debate “our future and forge a consensus.”
He said, “The conspiracy of silence by the elite and some community leaders must end.
“If you see something, say something or do something! Securing Igboland and Nigeria must be our collective responsibility. Let those in the forests come out, surrender their guns and let’s work together to rehabilitate and empower you to contribute positively to the peace and prosperity of our homeland.
“My heart bleeds to see and hear about our youth dying in senseless circumstances. Every criminal gang-kidnappers, wicked murderers, arsonists, rapists, thieves- all now claim to be freedom fighters. Criminality cannot be sugarcoated. This must stop.
“All the stakeholders must now review both the narrative and the action plan. For starters, I endorse the recent statement (March 7, 2022) by the Joint Body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Bishops/Archbishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution, requesting for a tripartite discussion between them.
“The Presidency, and South East governors to deal with the conflicts in the South East especially in relation to Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“There is no conflict that dialogue, in good faith, cannot resolve. Our government is determined to urgently restore peace and security in Anambra, and we will seek the active cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders,” he said.
The Professor of Economics told the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN), the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), and other armed groups that it is time to interrogate both the purpose and means of their campaign.
Soludo who was sworn-in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu at about 9:45am in a low profile ceremony, explained that he deemed it wise to hold a low key inauguration because celebration of tge victory was already done by the party after he won the election, saying that today is his first day at work.
“Today is my first day at work. I just reported for duty and will work for at least eight hours. We had more than a month since the election to celebrate our historic victory. Now is the time to work, and there is no minute or kobo to waste in fanfare.
“In a few minutes, I will announce some of the principal officers of the administration, and commence with serious meetings of the Anambra State Security Council, followed by a meeting with the permanent secretaries, a meeting on Okpoko, and with my Strategy, Execution and Evaluation (SEE) team.
“Within the next one week, the list of commissioners will be laid before the House of Assembly. Tomorrow, we will head to Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area and parts of Onitsha and Idemili as we signpost our commitment to fundamental urban regeneration, beginning with the greater Onitsha metropolis.
“I insisted that this event must not cost the government of Anambra one kobo. I would rather use such resources to lay the foundation stone for a public hospital at Okpoko or elsewhere or empower our security agents to fight criminality.”
The governor added that the time to celebrate will come in future and that it would be when security of life and property is guaranteed, law and order restored; every child of schooling age in school; and every school child receiving the 21st century education for the digital age.
