Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s speech titled, Agunechemba is Born and Udo Ga-Ach on Saturday, January 18, 2025, marking the unveiling of the Anambra Homeland Security Law and the launch of “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” may appear to be a decisive step towards addressing the state’s mounting security issues.

However, upon closer scrutiny, several critical concerns emerge, ranging from the timing of the initiative to the broader political undertones that suggest this move may be more about securing a second term than a genuine, long-term commitment to the welfare of Anambra’s citizens.

Soludo acknowledges that the state’s security situation has been dire, recounting stories of criminal gangs, kidnappings, and widespread violence that have plagued Anambra in recent years. Yet, these measures, which he describes as part of a “comprehensive and sustainable response,” are only being unveiled in the final months of his tenure. Anambra’s security issues have long been well-known, so why has it taken nearly three years for the Governor to act decisively?

Security concerns in Anambra, particularly the rise of violent criminal syndicates and kidnappers, have been a persistent problem throughout Soludo’s administration. Soludo portrayed a vivid picture of the insecurity threats when he admitted that, at his assumption, “eight local governments were literally under the total control of criminals”, which should have required immediate action from day one on the assumption of office.

Yet he only now seems to be urgently addressing these issues. The delay in formulating a robust security strategy raises legitimate doubts about his commitment to the safety of his people. If these issues were so critical, why didn’t he take more decisive action earlier in his tenure?

The fact that the security plan is being rolled out just months before an election inevitably raises suspicions about the true motivations behind this initiative. Is it a genuine attempt to solve Anambra’s security problems, or is it a carefully crafted electoral strategy to enhance the Governor’s image as a decisive leader in the lead-up to the 2025 elections?

The timing could suggest that Soludo aims to present himself as having brought peace to Anambra before voters head to the polls rather than addressing the problem in a long-term manner.

His speech bears the hallmark of a political campaign rather than a genuine governance initiative. The slogan “Udo Ga-Achi,” meaning “Peace Shall Prevail,” is a weighty phrase that seems tailor-made for an election campaign. Udo itself is a morpheme embedded within the name Soludo. So, Udo Ga-Achi can also be understood as Soludo Ga-Achi, making the slogan even more personal and directly tied to him. This may reveal the underlying motive of the motto as a strategy to garner support for re-election, simplifying the complex and urgent matter of state security into a campaign appeal.

The proposal to reward local governments with N10 million monthly for reducing violent crimes appears to have political motivations. While offering rewards for crime-free communities may seem like a bold initiative, it also carries potential electoral implications.

Such measures are likely to appeal to voters in areas facing violence. Similarly, the financial incentives for whistleblowers who provide information leading to the capture of criminals introduce an element of transactional politics into what should be a nonpartisan, long-term security strategy.

While he extensively considered criminal gangs and their operations, he did not address the fundamental issues that fuel such criminal behaviour, such as poverty, lack of job opportunities, poor educational infrastructure, and the erosion of social values. This points to a one-dimensional approach to a multifaceted problem. A truly comprehensive security plan would not only focus on kinetic measures like policing and technology. It should also consider social re-engineering efforts to address the root causes of criminality.

To his credit, Soludo acknowledges that brute force will only address about 50 per cent of the security challenges Anambra faces, a notable admission. However, while he emphasises the importance of technology, surveillance, and security forces in his new strategy, there is little discussion of how non-kinetic, long-term solutions will complement these measures. The over-reliance on force and technology overlooks that security is not just about policing but also addressing societal issues.

The speech mentions using AI-powered surveillance cameras, state-of-the-art tracking systems, and a command-and-control system. Still, there is scant detail on how these technologies will be integrated into a broader strategy that engages communities and builds trust in law enforcement.

Furthermore, the emphasis on technology and surveillance risks alienating the communities that Soludo is asking to cooperate with law enforcement. While technology can aid in tracking criminals, the community’s involvement and trust in the security apparatus will ultimately determine the success of these measures.
Soludo’s strained relationship with traditional rulers, local leaders and the clergy, most notably his exclusion of some first-class traditional rulers from the event, is concerning.

His speech calls for community involvement in security, yet his exclusion of respected traditional leaders from the conversation undermines his call for collaboration. In Anambra, as in much of Nigeria, traditional leaders play a crucial role in community affairs. Soludo risks alienating key stakeholders who could otherwise legitimise his security initiatives by sidelining such figures. This failure to fully engage with traditional institutions, the civil society, and the clergy further complicates his vision for community-based security reform.

Although his speech contains many well-intentioned initiatives, the timing, political undertones, and selective narrative cast serious doubt on the sincerity of his efforts. The fact that these measures are only being introduced in the final months of his tenure suggests that they may be more about securing political support than genuinely solving the state’s security issues.

While important, the focus on force and technology is insufficient without addressing the more profound root causes of insecurity. Furthermore, his failure to engage traditional leaders and the clergy reflects on his administration’s shortcomings and calls his commitment to sustainable, long-term change into question.

Ultimately, Anambra’s security challenges require more than promises and slogans; they demand a comprehensive, community-based approach that engages all stakeholders and addresses the underlying socioeconomic factors contributing to crime.

Whether Soludo is genuinely committed to this kind of reform or if his actions are simply a political manoeuvre to secure a second term remains to be seen. Anambra’s security crisis should not be about sloganeering and opportunism but must be rooted in a leadership that is genuinely dedicated to the long-term welfare of its people.

Onukwuli PhD, wrote from Bolton, UK. He can be reached via: [email protected]