By Valentine Ozigbo
The Igbo have a saying that when a king misbehaves, his subjects will hide their faces behind a basket and speak to him in a language he understands. The security situation in Anambra State has deteriorated to such an extent that well-meaning citizens can no longer remain silent and watch things worsen further.
One clear fact in the South East today is that Anambra ranks highest in insecurity. The situation has become so dire that no week passes without horrible news about killings and abductions of citizens, while the state government carries on as though nothing is amiss.What has been shocking to me was the seeming conspiracy of silence among the elites, including religious leaders, Igwes, business entrepreneurs and various civil society groups.
On December 5, 2024, a retired Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Province and former Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Professor Godwin Okpala, and his driver disappeared with his driver while in transit. From their abduction until their release three weeks later, the seat of government remained silent. Recently, criminals murdered a Catholic Diocese of Nnewi priest, Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, in his car in Ihiala, but the State government maintained its silence. Are we talking about the Nibo case or Ifite Awka case.
A member of House of Assembly representing Onitsha North, Hon Justice Azuka, was kidnapped in Onitsha and till date, no meaningful information and no reaction from the government. The massacre in Ihiala was the only time the governor was prompted a bounty announcement without any strategy of prevention. A young man called Big Ben has been missing for over a month and no reaction. I can go on and on. These incidents represent just a few of the many terrible happenings in the state that have elicited no response from the state government.
Even when many expected the government to provide security for those returning home to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, they announced the deferment of such measures until after the Christmas and New Year celebrations—a decision that continues to shock. As expected, criminals operated freely, killing and kidnapping at will.
When Fr Ebube Muonso spoke out about the precarious security situation in the state and challenged the government to address these issues, all hell broke loose. Government agents began insulting the revered priest and calling him various names. While one could overlook many of these insults due to the character of those making them, the Information Commissioner’s shocking response left many speechless.
The commissioner’s use of gutter language against a priest of God, simply because the priest called on his State’s leader to protect his people, is most unbecoming of anyone holding public office. It becomes even more egregious coming from one who describes himself as a knight of the Church.
This behaviour is shameful, undignifying, and embarrassing, and deserves an unqualified apology.
When did it become anathema in Anambra State for citizens to question their government? When did it become a crime for citizens to protest against harmful government policies? Are we no longer in a democracy?
The right to question government policies stands as a cornerstone of democracy in Anambra State. Citizens’ voices, especially those raising concerns about public safety, deserve respect rather than retribution.
I wish to apologize to our revered priest for the insulting statements made against him by a government that has not only failed but refuses to accept advice. I urge Fr Ebube Muonso to take these insults in his stride and never allow himself to be intimidated by people who obviously do not mean well for their own state. Even this response from me will attract senseless reactions from these agents but I choose to ignore but remain steadfast in our demand for a better State. May you, Fr. Ebube Muonso, continue to join other well-meaning citizens in advocating for a better Anambra.
But I ask, where are the other religious leaders? Where are the media and other civil society groups? Where are the town unions? Where are the market leaders? Are you waiting to be the next kidnap or murder victim to lend your voice to the government to sit up to its primary role of protection of life?
Anambra’s future depends on our willingness to face these truths and demand better from our leaders. May God protect His people as we work toward the security and dignity our state deserves.
I pray God continues to protect His people from harm today and always.
Valentine Ozigbo is Labour Party chieftain and frontline Governorship hopeful in Anambra State in the November 8, 2025 Governorship election
