By Chizoba Okeke, Awka
Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to provide for the maintenance of internal security and order in the state and to establish the Anambra State Agunechemba and for related matters.
The bill, which provides for the creation and operation of the security outfit, passed its first, second, and third readings during today’s plenary session.
The primary objective of the outfit is to enhance security and combat crime in all communities across the State, as the Agunechemba Security Outfit will operate at three levels—community, local government, and state as the central command.
The speaker, Right Honourable Somotochukwu Udeze who presided during plenary read out the bill and the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.
The speaker commended the Assembly for its efforts over the past few months to deliberate and find solutions to the state’s insecurity challenges and thanked the Governor for his commitment in ensuring that Anambra remains safe and crime free.
In his remarks, the Majority Leader and Member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme, emphasized that Anambra is not a safe haven for insecurity or crime, noting that Agunechemba will provide vital intelligence on criminal activities and take proactive measures to prevent crimes across the state.
Sir Ikenna highlighted that the outfit will address critical security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, drug abuse, cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
Supporting the bill, Members representing Ihiala Constituency One, Barrister Jude Ngobili, his Anaocha Constituency Two Counterpart, Sir Ejike Okechukwu and member representing Aguata Constituency One, Honourable Anayo Okpaleke, stressed that the Agunechemba outfit will play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property in Anambra State.
The bill takes effect from Friday, January 17, 2025.
