2025: LP Governorship Hopeful, Val Ozigbo, Decries Security Situation In Anambra

By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
A frontline governorship hopeful under the umbrella of the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Mr Valentine Ozigbo has lamented that Anambra has become the worst-rated state in terms of security across the South East geo-political zone of the country.

He described it as painful to see the state, once a beacon of progress but is now facing unprecedented challenges of insecurity and other issues.

Addressing members of the Osisioma Foundation at a ceremony held in Umunya town in Oyi Local Government Area of the State, Ozigbo noted that the fate the state is currently facing is not the legacy bequeathed on the people by the great forefathers such as the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, Prof. Chinua Achebe and more; adding that, “indeed, there was a State.”

He said, “I shared my deep concerns about our beloved Anambra State. It pains me to see our state, once a beacon of progress, now facing unprecedented challenges.”

“Regrettably, Anambra has become the worst-rated state in terms of security across the South East. This is not the legacy of the land that produced great figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Chinua Achebe and more. Indeed, there was a State.”

Ozigbo noted, “Amid other necessary initiatives, I believe we must foster unity in purpose, setting aside our differences to work collectively towards Anambra’s renaissance. Our strength lies in our unity. We need to focus on developing key areas like Nnewi, Onitsha, the Omambala Axis, our capital, Awka and more.”

According to him, each region has a unique potential that, when properly harnessed, will contribute to our State’s overall growth.”

“Furthermore, we must establish and leverage strategic public-private partnerships to drive sustainable development across all sectors – education, health, power, road, and security,” he said.

Ozigbo who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2021 governorship election in the state, also called on the people of the state not to sacrifice the overall best interest of the state on the alter of selfish gains.

He explained that the Osisioma Foundation is dedicated to eradicating social, economic, and political challenges facing our people aligns perfectly with our vision for a better Anambra.

He challenges the people that, “the task of rebuilding Anambra is not for leaders alone. Every citizen has a crucial role to play. I call on all indigents of Anambra to embrace active citizenship; in this way, we can ensure we have effective and compassionate leaders who will practice purposeful politics as opposed to the transactional politics rampant in Nigeria today.”

“Get involved in community development projects, hold leaders accountable, and contribute your skills and resources to our collective progress. It is through our combined efforts that we can truly restore Anambra to its former glory.”

“I’m grateful for the diverse group of leaders present today, including Ichie Okwuchukwu Ezeaku (Isimili Dunukofia), Ralph Nwike, Chief Mrs Pat Ugochukwu, Dr Ben Obidigbo, and many others. Your presence underscores the importance of this dialogue.”

He stated, “The condition we found ourselves in is caused by both the leadership and the citizens who voted them into power. That’s why you must hold yourselves accountable if the state makes the mistake of voting in the wrong governor for a second time.”

“The situation doesn’t call for a blame game, but rather an opportunity to right the wrongs. It’s time for confession of sins and seeking He said they should hold themselves accountable if they make the mistake of voting in the wrong governor for a second time.

It’s time to raise the light so it can shine. We must get the recruitment process right, including de-emphasizing personal interests and pursuing the best interest of the state.

“We must place the character of the leader above money, denomination and political affiliations Describing Anambra as a State blessed with both abundant human and natural resources, Ozigbo identified education, health, poverty alleviation, and security as critical areas of priority.

“If the state must be developed, some critical sectors like education, health and security must receive priority attention. I have consulted with Anambra people at the local, national and diaspora and understand what they are yearning for.

“I have aggregated the needs of the state which I intend to address using the sectoral and partnership approaches. I’ve chosen to be a purposeful politician and not transactional politics which the majority practice,” he added.

Dr. Choke Obidigbo, founder of Osisioma Foundation, expressed dismay at the failure of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in delivering on his campaign promises of making Anambra the Dubai of Africa.

He said the governor failed the teeming people of the state who took him by his words.