Labelling Anambra as Sambisa of S’east joke taken too far – Mefor
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor has expressed worry over what he termed exaggeration of the prevailing security challenges in the state.
He admitted the presence of insecurity in some parts of the state, but noted that it was not as dire as it was being portrayed.
Mefor was reacting to comments by Dr Monday Ashibogwu, Keynote Speaker at the grand finale of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council Press Week/Man of the Year Award.
Ashibogwu, while delivering his paper on the theme, “The Media And Trajectories For Anambra State’s Future In A Dwindling Economy”, described Anambra State as the Sambisa of the Southeast in view of the growing insecurity in the state.
The Commissioner however stressed that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had been working tirelessly to rid the state off criminals, including ensuring that 2024 Christmas would be one of the best celebrated in the state.
He said, “There’s a need to put the records straight. I believe the aspect of the paper presentation talking about the security challenges in the state is a bit exaggerated.
“Yes, there is insecurity in Anambra as it is in many states in the Southeast and Nigeria at large. But for one to refer to Anambra State as the Sambisa of the Southeast is taking it too far. It’s not and can never be.
“The security challenge in Anambra is not as dire as been painted, otherwise we wouldn’t have gathered here and comfortably seated for this all important function.
“Permit me to also say that the security challenge in the state is not as bad as it was when Soludo took over government.
“I want to announce that there’s a big plan that will be unleashed in Anambra this November. The governor and government are planning big to confront the insecurity in the state head-on.
“The appointment of a new special adviser for community security is one of the measures. Many more actions will become more apparent in days to come.
“The government is working hard to ensure that 2024 Christmas will be one of the best celebrated in the state.
“The governor is asking for your patience and continued cooperation and understanding as he’s not sleeping, but working round the clock to ensure total security is restored.”
Describing NUJ as one of the reputable institutions in Nigeria, which he said he was proud to be associated with, Mefor pleaded with members to continue to partner with government for better society.
“We are not saying you should exaggerate Soludo’s achievements, but report us fairly. When I assumed duty, I discovered that government achievements were underreported. But that narrative is changing and I want you to continue in that tragectory.
“Before the year runs out, we’ll arrange a meeting between the governor and the journalists where they will have a one-on-one chat with him,” he assured.
Chairman of the occasion and deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University Awka, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna commended NUJ under the leadership of Dr Emeka Odogwu for improved edition of the annual ceremony, just as she appreciated dignitaries that graced the ocassion.
The event witnessed presentation of prestigious awards to distinguished individuals, including Man Of Year, Philantropist Of The Decade,
Most Innovative Entrepreneur Of The Year
and a special recognition of the Anambra State first lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, as the Most Supportive Governor’s wife and Voice for the Voiceless in the entire South East.
The Man of The Year award went to a Canadian based physician and academic, Dr Chinedu Anthony Umeadi, Agunaechemba Abagana, while that of Philantropist Of The Decade was clinched by a revered traditional Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, Ezedioramma III of Alor Kingdom.
The Most Innovative Entrepreneur Of The Year Award was given to another Canadian based Businessman and Philantropist, Hon Oliver Okenna, Dikemba Ebenebe, while the prestigious Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Award for Ethical Journalism was won by Emma Elekwa of The Nation newspapers.
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