Paul Chukwuma, a governorship aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2025 Anambra State election, has strongly criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the increasing insecurity in the state. Chukwuma, who previously served as the Pro-Chancellor of Olivia University in Burundi, expressed his concerns about the rising number of abductions and killings, which he attributed to the failure of the current administration to effectively handle security issues. He emphasized that the lives of residents and the safety of businesses were at significant risk due to the government's lack of action.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at his country home in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Chukwuma reflected on the state’s deteriorating security situation. He stated that the frequent kidnappings, killings, and fear gripping the residents have left the once-peaceful state in a state of disarray. He added that Anambra has never before witnessed such a grave security crisis, with both citizens and investors now being targeted by criminals. He highlighted the widespread fear of abduction, with farmers unable to tend to their farms and many residents afraid to return home as Christmas approaches.
He urged the public to demand answers from Governor Soludo regarding the allocation and usage of security votes, stating that no visible improvements in security have been made despite the resources that have been allocated for this purpose. Chukwuma pointed out that the state government has not made adequate efforts to support security agencies with resources like vehicles or training, leaving the police and other agencies ill-equipped to handle the growing threat of violence. He criticized the Soludo administration for focusing on infrastructure projects that deteriorate rapidly while failing to address the urgent issue of security. He stressed that addressing insecurity should be the government's top priority and accused the administration of making empty promises instead of taking concrete action.
[/p]Chukwuma further expressed his belief that the APC, under his leadership, could successfully tackle the security challenges facing Anambra State. He passionately declared that he was ready to serve the people and provide the necessary leadership to restore safety and security in the state. He called for the media to play a role in highlighting the security crisis and urged Anambra citizens to hold the government accountable for its inaction.
In addition to his concerns about security, Chukwuma also commended President Bola Tinubu for his appointments of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mark Okoye as Managing Director of the South-East Development Commission. Chukwuma expressed his belief that these appointments represented a significant step forward for the South-East, regardless of the party affiliation of the appointees. He dismissed criticisms that questioned the appointments of individuals linked to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), calling such complaints divisive and counterproductive. He argued that these appointments were beneficial for Ndi Anambra and the entire South-East region, as they provided the region with a seat at the table of national governance.
Chukwuma took the opportunity to address concerns that the APC was not supportive of Ndi Anambra or the South-East. He pointed out that despite past narratives, the APC has now appointed Ndi Anambra to key positions, showing an inclusive approach to governance that aims to bring development to the region. He reaffirmed that his goal was to offer leadership that prioritizes the welfare of all Anambra residents, regardless of their political affiliations.
Chukwuma reiterated his commitment to improving the security situation, building critical infrastructure, creating jobs, and addressing other socio-economic challenges in Anambra State. He promised that, if elected, his administration would be inclusive and would deliver the dividends of democracy to all citizens. He assured the people of Anambra that he would remain accessible, listen to their concerns, and work tirelessly to improve their quality of life, with a strong focus on education and economic development.
