By Chizoba Okeke, Awka
The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Ejike Okechukwu, has described the State Homeland Security Law 2025, establishing Agunechemba security outfit as a comprehensive framework designed to combat insecurity and restore confidence in the state’s safety mechanisms.
Speaking at a press briefing after the passage of the bill, Honourable Ejike said the law delegates significant responsibilities to the President Generals, PGs of each communities in the state, thereby empowering them to play pivotal roles in maintaining law and order.
He revealed that under the law, PGs are mandated to submit monthly reports detailing suspicious activities, criminal incidents, and relevant intelligence from their communities and as well include crucial information such as the identities, addresses, phone numbers, and whereabouts of individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities.
He maintained that the law also imposes responsibilities on hoteliers, landlords, and other property owners to install modern surveillance technologies, including CCTV cameras, to monitor activities within their premises and to ensure proper documentation and identification of individuals lodging in their facilities.
Ejike also said that one of the standout provisions of the law is the outright seizure of properties discovered to be involved in the manufacturing of illicit drugs, while the law prescribes various degrees of imprisonment and fines for offenders, depending on the severity of their crimes.
In their reactions, the Majority Leader of the House, who represents Ekwusigo Constituency, Honourable Ikenna Ofodeme and member representing Aguata Constituency Two Honourable Tony Muobike, said every crime committed under the law will be met with severe punishment and that religious establishments are also under scrutiny, as the leaders of such institutions will now be held accountable for any crimes committed under their watch.
