Paul Chukwuma, a governorship aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2025 Anambra State election, has sharply criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the escalating insecurity in the state.
Chukwuma attributed the frequent loss of lives and the constant fear among residents to the poor handling of security by the current administration.
He urged the public to scrutinize how the governor has utilized the security votes allocated to the state since he assumed office.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at his country home in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, on Saturday, Chukwuma, who also serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Olivia University in Burundi, described the Soludo administration’s approach to security as a failure. He labeled the situation as deeply concerning for Ndi Anambra.
He stated, “People now live in an environment of fear. Every day, people are kidnapped, killed, and maimed. The peaceful coexistence we were accustomed to is fading away.
“Insecurity in Anambra is becoming increasingly dire. Residents, particularly investors, are being kidnapped daily. Farmers no longer feel safe going to their farms for fear of abduction. With Christmas approaching, people are afraid to return home to celebrate. We have never experienced such insecurity before.
“The state government should take responsibility for its citizens’ security. Tackling insecurity should be the government’s top priority. However, at the moment, the government appears to be doing nothing. People should question the use of the state’s security vote and ask the governor how these funds are being utilised.
“There is no evidence that Soludo is supporting the security agencies with these funds. No vehicles have been provided to the police, and nothing concrete is being done — just empty promises and verbose speeches. It’s a shame.
“The state government is busy constructing roads that deteriorate quickly, while citizens are being kidnapped daily. I strongly believe that the APC, under my leadership as governor, has the capacity to address these challenges, which is why I have put myself forward to serve the people.”
Paul Chukwuma called on the media to help raise awareness about the growing insecurity in Anambra State, emphasizing the urgent need to rescue the state from what he described as a failed administration.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mark Okoye as Managing Director of the South-East Development Commission.
Addressing concerns about the appointment of individuals linked to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chukwuma dismissed the criticisms, calling the appointments a victory for the South-East, regardless of party affiliations.
“For years, there was the narrative that the APC government was not supportive of Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo. Now, APC is appointing Ndi Anambra, and people are still complaining,” he said. “The question is: are the appointees Ndi Anambra or not? If they are, what’s the issue? Personally, as an aspirant, I see no problem with the President appointing APGA members. It reflects an inclusive approach to governance.”
Chukwuma reaffirmed his commitment to tackling insecurity, improving infrastructure, reducing unemployment, and addressing other socio-economic challenges in Anambra.
He pledged to run an inclusive government that provides the dividends of democracy to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. He also promised to remain accessible, prioritize quality education, and listen to the needs of the people.
