By Ovat Abeng
A human right activist and National Convener of Recover Nigeria Project (RNP), Comrade Osita Obi, has urged the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to also scrutinize his cabinet members as part of the government effort in the ongoing fight against kidnapping, wanton killings, cultism, armed robbery and other social vices in the state.
Obi disclosed this while briefing journalists in Awka on Friday, in reaction to the Police report that the two arrested suspects involved in the kidnapping and killing of the Labour Party lawmaker representing Onitsha North two Constituency in the state House of Assembly, late Hon Justice Azuka had escaped from police custody.
It was gathered that the release issue by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announcing the escape of the two suspects has since generated a huge negative reactions from different quarters, describing the development as negligent on the part of Police.
Reacting further on the development and other forces working against the current administration in the state, the activist urged the governor to also grilled his cabinet members, alleging that most of his appointees are living fat under the security challenges ravaging the state at the moment.
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According to him, the security situation in Anambra State has reached the point where every resident irrespective of tribe, ethnic and religious affiliations should also be treated as suspect including top government officials in the state.
“Governor Soludo should begin without further delay to scrutinize his cabinet members as soon as possible. The investigation into the gruesome murder of the lawmaker has left a dark stain on the Anambra State Police Command.
“The probe, conducted under the watch of immediate past Commissioner of Police, CP Obono Nnaghe Itam, has raised more questions than answers.
“It is imperative that the Inspector General of Police intervenes and compels Obono Nnaghe Itam to provide clarity on the botched investigation.
“This case is not one where matters can be dismissed on the grounds that public administration is a continuum, and therefore the succeeding administration should simply continue from where the previous stopped.
“Obono Nnaghe Itam’s leadership during this period is under scrutiny, and he must be vicariously held accountable for the lapses in the investigation.
“As the chief law enforcement officer in Anambra State at the time, he bears responsibility for ensuring a thorough investigation was conducted.
“The people of Anambra State demand answers, and it is the duty of the Inspector General of Police to ensure those answers are provided.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetogun to take immediate action and summon Obono Nnaghe Itam to provide a full account of the investigation into Justice Azuka’s murder. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in the police institution.
“We also urged the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to ensure that justice is served.”
