Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has addressed the recent misinformation surrounding his stance on Nnamdi Kanu’s release, reaffirmed his commitment to the IPOB leader’s freedom while unveiling a new security initiative aimed at combating crime in the South East.
In a statement issued today, Governor Soludo responded to claims made by opposition figures suggesting that he was opposed to Nnamdi Kanu’s release. Soludo clarified that, contrary to these allegations, he has been a vocal supporter of Kanu’s release, seeing it as a necessary step towards restoring peace and stability in the South East.
The Governor pointed to his visit to Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, where he offered to take the IPOB leader on administrative bail and ensured his availability for further cooperation. Soludo stressed that these actions highlight his genuine desire to resolve the issues surrounding Kanu’s detention.
In addition to advocating for Kanu’s release, Governor Soludo expressed deep concern over the criminal elements that have hijacked the Biafra agitation, turning it into a platform for illegal activities such as kidnapping, robbery, and ritual killings. This criminalization, according to Soludo, has worsened insecurity in the region and undermined the original cause of the Biafra movement.
To address these security concerns, Governor Soludo’s administration is launching Operation Udo Ga-Achi (Operation Peace Shall Reign), a comprehensive security initiative aimed at reducing crime and restoring peace in Anambra and the wider South East region. The operation will incorporate advanced surveillance technologies, deploy branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities, and train forest guards to work alongside local vigilantes.
The key elements of Operation Udo Ga-Achi included:
The use of drones and CCTV cameras for enhanced surveillance.
Branded vehicles for conducting stop-and-search operations.
The training of forest guards to work with vigilantes and local authorities.
Engaging local communities in reporting suspicious activities.
Collaboration with security agencies, including the police and military.
Governor Soludo’s efforts to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release are not new. In 2017, he led a delegation of Igbo leaders to visit Kanu at Kuje prison and subsequently addressed a world press conference calling for his unconditional release.
In response to the politically motivated misinformation, Dr. Law Mefor, the Anambra state Commissioner for Information, urged the public to disregard the false claims and recognize the progress being made under Governor Soludo’s leadership.
“We must all cooperate with the government to tackle the security challenges in our state and build a safer, more prosperous future,” Dr. Mefor concluded.
