Charles Ajunwa
30 June 2009
(Page 2 of 2)
"In the same vain, the group that kidnapped Chief Paul Okonkwo, the Managing Director of PokoBros Group of Companies has also been arrested by the State Police Command. Yet, the media are full of reports that tend to point to our dear State as the only one currently afflicted by the virus of kidnapping.
"There is no iota of doubt that these negative reports, which do not reflect the true position of things, are the handiwork of some disgruntled elements and other detractors who believe that they have nothing better to do than to fan the embers of hatred and disaffection. We urge all such persons to give peace a chance and retrace their steps because they are doing grave disservice to Ndi-Anambra. It is our expectation that these disgruntled elements should denounce the crime of kidnapping and its perpetrators rather than criticizing the Government that is fighting to preserve security of lives and property.
"After careful consideration of the whole issue of kidnapping, Government came to the conclusion that those involved in this criminal activity are driven by a number of factors. These include the urge to make easy money, sexual immorality, scandalous display of affluence, militarization of society due to communal conflicts, chieftaincy tussles and political thuggery, etc. Government also found that most of those involved in this criminal activity are within the 18-40 years age bracket.
Nonetheless, the situation is not beyond redemption with continued cooperation between Government and the larger society. We call on individuals and communities to cooperate and partner with the security agencies to solve the problem. We urge a new impetus in moral education at home and at school. We request that individuals be on a perpetual state of alert at all times, while adopting relevant measures to combat the kidnappers at all times. We demand respect for the rule of law.
Also, we have made formal representation to providers of communication equipment, including mobile phones, to introduce tracking devices to help in the apprehension of the criminals. Furthermore, we have pointed out to the security agencies to adopt new and original methods of investigations better suited for cases of kidnapping.
"I am sure that the war against kidnapping will be won just as Anambra State emerged victorious in all other evil schemes devised to keep it down and out. It bears repetition to state that Anambra State has the lowest cases of kidnapping in the South East and South-south States today. Let us work towards a new dawn in which kidnapping will amount to an evil against our people that is past and well behind us," Odenigbo said.
Other eminent attendees of the summit included Chief J.C. Okafor, Major Chris Moghalu (rtd), His Royal Highness, Igwe A.U. Obiora, Chief Eric Okoye, former Managing Director of National Oil, Arch. Okechukwu Ogo, Mr. Emeka Ngige, SAN, Mr. Ben Chuks Nwosu and many others.
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