The relative peace and security being enjoyed in the 177 communities in Anambra state through the instrumentality of the Anambra Vigilante Services (AVS) is now gravely threatened.
This is because the armed operatives have openly threatened to embark on strike action over unpaid salaries by the state government.
The visibly very angry operatives who addressed journalists in Awka, the Anambra state capital, said the state government has owed them salaries since August.
According to Mr. Maxwell Nwoye, their spokesperson, “We have done our best in ensuring safety of lives and property in Anambra State and everybody knows that the governor has zero tolerance for crime and all forms of brigandage.
“Some of us have died, some are hospitalized as a result of fighting crime, yet the authorities concerned choose to pay us back by holding our entitlements in a recession”.
“Our members are not happy at all and we also learnt that the Special Adviser to the governor on security has been made handicapped by one committee that was set up by government”.
Another speaker, Mr. Calistus Okeke said “the vigilante services are aware that the principal secretary to the governor Mr. Willie Nwokoye has signed the payment of our salaries wondering why it has not been effected since August.
“We have entered the ember month and between September and December there is always security challenges due to the festive seasons.
“If our members take up the option of going on strike you know its implications.
“The police, department of State Security and Civil Defence cannot do it alone.
“We operate inside the communities and when we discover security flash points we take action and then link up with the police and other operatives”.
Yet another operative who gave his name simply as Nwokoye said, “So they should pay us our money in the interest of peace and security in Anambra sate.
“ I do not know if the governor is aware of what is happening.
“If you do not pay your security man, your enemies will pay him and use it against you”.
They also revealed they have started skeletal operations, as a prelude to the strike that would go fully soon.
But efforts to obtain the reaction of Gov Willie Obiano did not yield any result as one of his senior aide on security matters said he was not aware of the development. Play best frive games at the frive games site.
He was however quick to observe that it would be counterproductive if it was true, especially at a time like now.
From Chuks Collins, Awka
