“Anambra is bleeding”, Valentine Ozigbo cries out, shares insights on zoning, insecurity

The Labour Party aspirant for the 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra state, Dr. Valentine Ozigbo, has expressed discontent with the present administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lamenting that the state is bleeding.

Dr. Ozigbo aired his displeasure while speaking as a guest at the inaugural meeting held by the political wing of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), Anambra Chapter, at the Grand East Hotel in Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra state.

Ozigbo emphasized the urgent need for the people of Anambra state to come together and demand accountability from their leaders, citing the current administration’s failures in critical areas like security, healthcare, education, and global connectivity.

He stressed that was high time for a radical transformation of the state’s leadership structure, advocating for a shift from transactional politics to purposeful governance that truly benefits the people.

Particularly, Dr. Ozigbo offered a critique of Anambra’s insecurity, labeling it a “man-made” issue that could be traced back to the state’s leadership. According to him, the current administration’s ties to criminals undermine its ability to effectively address criminality.

To combat insecurity, he proposed a two-pronged approach rooted in principled leadership.

Firstly, leaders must demonstrate decency and integrity. This foundational principle sets the tone for effective governance and inspires trust among the populace. Secondly, leaders must inspire and empower young people, providing them with opportunities and hope for a better future. However, this can only be achieved if the first principle is firmly established.

Dr. Ozigbo attributed the rise of criminality among young people in Anambra to a sense of hopelessness and lack of opportunities. He believed that with the emergence of a trustworthy leader committed to building a better society, young people will recognize that there is indeed hope for a brighter future and be less inclined to engage in criminal activities.

“Young people resort to criminality because they believe their is no option. When they know that a good shepherd is in town and the shepherd is coming to build the society, they will know that there is an option and hope, and then, they will reduce criminality and turn a leaf”.

Ozigbo also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector to harness the state’s resources for development, thereby creating opportunities and reducing crime.

Additionally, Dr. Ozigbo proposed the establishment of a specialized task force, well-funded, trained, and sponsored to investigate and resolve cases, with a particular focus on kidnapping. This dedicated team would unravel the complexities surrounding these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.

By prioritizing decency and youth empowerment, he believes the state can overcome its security challenges and create a safer, more prosperous environment for its citizens. His critique comes amidst widespread dissatisfaction with Governor Soludo’s handling of insecurity, which Ozigbo contends has caused Anambra’s security architecture to collapse.

On the issue of zoning, The Labour Party Aspirant expressed that the principle of zoning in the state’s political structure did not preclude capacity, character and competence. By his mind frame, the zoning arrangement was introduced on the basis of fairness and equality, to prevent the domination of one part of the state over the other. On the other hand, the CCC mantra is vital for the entrenchment of good governance in the state.

He believed that none of the two considerations predominated the other, but the two must work together to ensure peaceful, effective and efficient governance. Still on the principle of zoning, Ozigbo stressed the need for a change of government without altering the zoning formula. He said that sometime ago, the Labour Party stakeholders of Anambra South Senatorial District had gathered and agreed that any candidate who successfully earned the mandate of the electorate would govern for a term of four years, after which, another candidate from the same Senatorial zone would be endorsed. The whole idea behind this practice, he said, was not only to promote evenness and equity, but also to address the governance ills and errors of the first government. He criticized Soludo’s government as well as the governor’s desire to be reelected in the next election, even as Anambra state was bleeding.

Further, Dr. Ozigbo praised the tireless efforts of members of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) in promoting democracy and good governance in Anambra State. COPDEM, a non-partisan organization, is dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy from the threats of corruption and destabilization, ensuring the country remains united and prosperous.

Through their unwavering commitment, COPDEM members strive to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership at all levels of government. The organization’s objectives are multifaceted, focusing on promoting good governance, fostering unity and economic empowerment among Nigerians, and protecting democracy from those who seek to undermine it.

The COPDEM inaugural meeting, featured members from all over the state to tackle pressing issues related to good governance. The meeting also saw a question-and-answer session where attendees identified areas needing improvement in the state’s governance. Notably, COPDEM recognizes women as key drivers of change and has a significant number of female members playing crucial roles in shaping the organization’s political agenda.

COPDEM’s emphasis on women’s empowerment aligns with research highlighting the critical role women play in sustainable development and social change. By engaging women in the political process and promoting their participation in decision-making, COPDEM aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

The COPDEM political wing was well-represented at the event, with attendees including state executives, national leaders, and prominent managers from all 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

They included Dr. Anedo Hyginus Nnamdi, State chairman of the Political wing, John Egbe Agbonifo, the national chairman of the Political Wing and Abrifor Joseph Esq, Chairman Edo state Chapter.

Others included Ambassador Alex Nwakamma, Comr Chidi Nzekwe, Uchechukwu Ike, Barr Christina Iwuno, Iyom Nwanyi Manaria, Arc Emeka O Ekwueme

COPDEM reaffirmed its dedication to promoting democracy and good governance in Anambra State, vowing to combat vote buying, voter apathy, and poor-quality leadership through widespread mobilization. To achieve this, COPDEM plans to educate and mobilize citizens, encouraging active participation in the political process and demanding accountability from leaders.

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