Kanayo Azaka
Awka, Feb. 18, 2025 — The Anambra State Government has warned against the spread of false information regarding the newly enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, emphasizing that community town criers must now seek approval from their community Presidents-General before disseminating security-related messages.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday, citing instances where town criers misrepresented the law’s provisions, causing confusion among residents.
“In one instance, a town crier falsely claimed that individuals wearing dreadlocks or sagging their trousers would be arrested. In another, perhaps the most absurd, someone announced that women not wearing pants and bras would face arrest. These statements are entirely false and have no connection to the new law,” Dr. Mefor clarified.
He stressed that such misinformation could incite unnecessary panic and resistance to the law, which was enacted to enhance security across the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the new law has nothing to do with dress codes. Any misrepresentation of its provisions will now be considered deliberate and intended to incite the public against the law, the Agunechemba security initiative, and Operation Udo Ga-Achi,” he added.
Dr. Mefor explained that Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga-Achi were established to combat criminal activities, particularly those linked to native doctors who produce charms used by criminals for robbery, kidnapping, and other violent acts.
To curb the spread of false information, the government has directed that town criers must first consult their community Presidents-General before making public announcements on security matters. The Presidents-General, in turn, will be held accountable for any misinformation.
“When in doubt, Presidents-General should consult the government, particularly the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security,” Dr. Mefor advised.
The Commissioner urged communities to take the directive seriously to prevent further confusion and ensure the correct implementation of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
