By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, to ensure the immediate release of Anambra Lawmaker, Mr Justice Azuka, from kidnappers captivity.
Recall that Azuka, representing Onitsha North state constituency was kidnapped on Dec. 24, 2024 at Onitsha, Anambra by yet to be ascertained persons.
Mr Victor Ogene, the LP Caucus leader at the House of Representatives gave the charge in Awka, noting that the seeming inaction by the state government over the abduction, was ‘disheartening”.
Ogene, the Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of the state, said the lawmakers were not concerned over the development.
“We call on Gov. Soludo to take urgent and decisive action to secure the release of the abducted state lawmaker.
“The state government should tackle the increasing insecurity in the state which has become notorious for kidnappings and killings.
“Efforts should be intensified to restore sanity to Anambra which has disturbingly become an open crime enclave,” he said.
The caucus leader also condemned the seeming inability of Azuka’s colleagues in tasking the state government for the release of their colleague.
“Azuka had before the abduction, retrieved his regained mandate after the elections petitions tribunal sacked the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the seat.
“People presently live in fear as a result of growing insecurity in the state with high rate of bloodletting, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
“The crime rate reported in Anambra is a tiny fraction of the horrendous insecurity reality in the state,” he said.
He said that the government’s primary responsibility was to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, as well as protect their properties.
“The state government should decisively reclaim the state from suspected criminal gangs and restore confidence among the people.
“We are aware of the government’s efforts to tackle the menace, through the launch of Operation Udo ga Chi (Operation Peace Must Prevail) and Agunachemba (The Lion which guards the land).
“We however wonder why it took the government more than two years to be serious about tackling the insecurity in the state,” he said.
