By Stella Obi
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has emphasized that security is a shared responsibility between the government, communities, and citizens, and should not be left solely to the government.
Speaking
during the Inauguration and Lecture Series of the League of Anambra
Professionals (LAP) held over the weekend, with the theme “Technology and
Innovation in Security Management: The Future of Policing in Anambra State,”
Chief Chidoka reaffirmed that the police alone cannot secure a morally compromised
system.
Presenting
his lecture titled "Technology, Law, and Morality: Is Governor Soludo’s
Security Plan the Solution to Crime or Another Gimmick?" the former
Minister described security as the foundation of development. He stated that
without it, commerce is stifled, communities are disrupted, and society is
weakened.
Chidoka
noted that security is not just about guns, cameras, and artificial
intelligence, which are merely tools and not solutions. He opined that
technology alone cannot secure a morally disarmed society.
He
maintained that Governor Soludo has identified the moral crisis threatening the
foundation of the state, adding that moral guidance from institutions,
including churches, should shape the conscience of society.
"Once
we reclaim the moral foundation of our homeland, we can build the security
architecture that will sustain it," he said.
Chidoka
commended the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, describing it as a
transformational shift in security and governance that makes every citizen,
community, and institution accountable for crime prevention
"Governor
Soludo's approach goes beyond enforcement. It redefines security as a shared
responsibility. Anambra is pioneering a national security model by making
landlords, town unions, hotels, and religious institutions active participants
in crime prevention.
“For
decades, Nigeria has relied on traditional policing, but policing alone cannot
secure a morally compromised society. Soludo’s vision is clear: Security must
be ingrained in governance, morality, and civic responsibility. The Homeland
Security Law presents a blueprint for social transformation to fight
criminality," Chidoka stated.
Chief
Chidoka maintained that laws should be enforced without privilege or impunity,
while Nkali (domination), Mkpali (privilege-based impunity), and Mmegbu
(oppression) should be eschewed. He called for Uche (hard work) and Egwuchukwu
(fear of God) to be enthroned in governance.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and also Chairman of MTN, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, emphasized the need for a focused approach to development in Anambra State. He advocated for investments in education, technology, and leadership training.
Dr.
Ndukwe stated that while it is necessary to pursue multiple initiatives, it is
crucial for the executive to concentrate on key areas that will yield the
highest impact.
In
his speech, the Presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) and former
Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, called for a more serious approach to
national security. He urged all levels of government to prioritize security
measures while also investing in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and
poverty alleviation.
Contributing,
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the
Special Adviser on Security Matters, AVM Ben Chiobi, highlighted the need for
improved surveillance and monitoring. He noted that knowing one’s neighbors and
tracking guests in hotels through advanced technology could significantly
enhance security.
He
acknowledged the challenges faced in implementing the National Identity
Management System but expressed confidence that the newly signed Homeland
Security Law 2025 provides a comprehensive framework to address security
concerns.
In
his remarks, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.
Somtochukwu Udeze, noted that the Homeland Security Law creates an avenue for
value reorientation among youths. He charged LAP to assist in sensitizing
indigenes about the law.
The newly inaugurated President of LAP, Sir Nnamdi Obi, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in tackling security challenges across Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State.
Sir
Obi called for unity in addressing security concerns to enhance safety and
governance in the state.
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