Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra Leaders of Thought (ANALT) has frowned at unpatriotic elements calling for disbandment of Agunaechamba simply because few among them engage in unprofessional conduct.
The group warned of the consequences that would follow if Agunechemba was jettisoned stressing that there is no human organisation without bad eggs.
In a statement signed by its President, High Chief Uzoma Anunihu and Secretary, Mazi Chika Udemadu, the group noted that State Police Command lacked enough manpower needed to battle criminals at such critical time of insecurity across the state.
It commended Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, and his team for the recorded successes in securing Anambra communities and recent operations in Awa community.
The team includes Igwe Elect, Eze Chinenye Ihenko, Director of operations and Chief Monday Nwokoye, Commander Anti kidnapping and Anti Touting respectively.
The group urged Emeakayi and his team to maintain the tempo and avoid political detractions from those who want to be Governor at all cost.
Agunechemba needs support
It further urged the Governor to continue to support operatives of Agunaechamba especially in LGAs where the criminals still operate especially, Ogbaru, Orumba North and Ihiala.
“We urge the Governor to review salaries paid to Agunaechamba from N100,000 to N300,000 per a month to serve as encouragement for the boys who risk their lives for residents especially now the governorship election is around the corner,” it posited.
The group warned the YPP Governorship candidate, Mr Paul Chukwuma to desist from unnecessary political-attention-seeking by calling for disbandment of Agunaechamba.
“We don’t know when he became a human rights activist and advocacy master, just because he is contesting for governorship election.
“What is he saying about other national issues affecting Anambra State and the country at large? Security is a very critical issue that need not to be politicized at all.
“What is his position few days ago when the same Agunaechamba neutralized four criminals and recovered four Ak-47 riffles, 12 SUV cars parked inside the bush in Awa Community in Orumba North?
“The Governor should take a cue from former governor of the State, Mr Peter Obi who encouraged hard-work by giving N2 million for any security officer who recovered Ak-47 riffle and N1 million for pump Action riffles respectively.
Tackle their challenges
“He should equally publicly celebrate such operative with cash donation as this will help to encourage them to do more in securing the State,” the statement read.
The leader of Thought further appealed to the Governor to look into the challenges facing the operatives especially those who sustained injuries during exchange of fire with criminals.
“These wounded operatives scattered in different hospitals in the State should be provided with insurance policy scheme, as well as those who fell in active service.
“The governor should match words with actions by looking into these challenges without further delay especially those whose remunerations have not been paid in the last 8 months,” the group pleaded.
It could be recalled that before the emergence of Agunaechamba in the State few years ago about 18 Local Government Areas were taken over by criminals masquerading as Unknown Gunmen.
Only two or three Local Government Areas are currently witnessing some criminal activities associated with these hoodlums, thanks to Agunaechamba and other security forces.
