In his effort to stem the tide of insecurity in Anambra state, the executive governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has taken a step further by meeting the leadership of IPOB to dialogue and seek ways and lasting solution to the continued insecurity in the State which has put the economy in bad shape.
Recall that at his inauguration, Prof. Soludo in his speech suggested for a tripartite meeting arrangement where all the parties involved can come to a round table and discuss the way out of the security imbroglio plaguing the region. He said, “I endorse the recent statement (March 7) 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 (IPOB), the presidency and South East governors”.
But recently, our reporter gathered that intelligent report has confirmed that the issue has gone beyond IPOB as some criminal elements which are not members of the group have hijacked the struggle and imposed a sit-at-home which is affecting South East economy thereby making businessmen to relocate in droves to places like Asaba, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Benin. Our reporter equally hinted that worried by the recent wave of killings in some parts of the state and advice from stakeholders, the new governor has decided to separate people with genuine cause from criminal elements so law enforcement agents can deal ruthlessly with people who are fomenting trouble and are making one of the most peaceful states in the country a no-go-area.
It was also gathered that it was based on this meeting with some of these leaders and the assurances of their co-operation that the new governor summoned the courage to give the directive of resumption of work and business activities on Monday.
The governor recently through the Head of Service has directed all civil servants to resume duties on Monday failure of which will be seen as a serious misconduct. He equally met with leaders of markets/ transport unions, urging them to shun the Monday sit-at-home and resume business activities stressing that the sit-at-home has affected the state badly.
Similarly, law enforcement agencies in the state have urged Ndi Anambra to go about their normal businesses and gave the assurances of adequate security of lives and properties.