By Christian ABURIME
Nigerians’ penchant for knee-jerk reactions is a well-worn trope. We are a society often driven by immediate outrage, demanding instant solutions to complex problems. Like firefighters rushing from blaze to blaze, we react to crises with a flurry of activity, often without truly addressing the underlying issues. This “fire brigade” approach, while offering a temporary sense of accomplishment, rarely yields lasting solutions. Instead, it often creates a cycle of reactive governance, where problems resurface, demanding yet another round of frantic, short-sighted interventions.
Since last year, Anambra State like any other States in the country has been battling a surge in insecurity, particularly kidnappings, leading to fierce, relentless and even exaggerated criticisms of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s handling of the crisis. Opposition politicians had a field day hypocritically lampooning the state government. Even critics in cassock turned their hallowed pulpits into vilification platforms against the person of the governor.
However, Governor Soludo has demonstrated a strategic leadership approach, refusing to be stampeded into rash actions. His calculated strategy, focusing on long-term solutions and empowering security forces, is now yielding undeniable results, proving his critics wrong and restoring hope to the state.
The recent launch of “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” (Peace Must Reign) and the bolstering of the “Agunechemba” vigilante force was not knee-jerk reaction. It was all a carefully planned initiative designed to dismantle criminal networks at their roots. The dramatic discovery and demolition of the Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also known as ‘La Cruise Hotel,’ in Oba area of the state is a tribute to this strategy. The hotel, masquerading as a legitimate business, was discovered to have housed a horrifying secret: over 30 partitioned graves and a shrine, revealing the gruesome extent of the criminal activities taking place within its walls.
This shocking revelation underscores the insidious nature of the security challenges that have been facing Anambra since last year. Vicious idolatry mixed with ritual bestiality and bloody cultism has become a staple of desperate felons who converged on Anambra like ravenous vultures. Criminals often operate under the guise of normalcy, making detection difficult. But now, Governor Soludo’s approach, targeting such clandestine machinations and establishments directly, is sending a potent message: there will be no safe haven for criminals in Anambra Stste
The government’s commitment to public safety, reinforced by the new homeland security law, is finding expression in these decisive tactics.
Indeed, the discovery of the graves and shrine points to a complex web of criminality, potentially involving ritualistic practices and organised crime. While understandably causing fear and concern among residents, it also highlights the importance of the government’s focused efforts. The community’s reaction, a mix of relief and horror, points at the challenge ahead, but also their growing confidence in the government’s resolve. The demolition of the hotel, while a significant victory, is just one step in a larger battle. The Soludo government’s commitment to uncovering and dismantling these networks is clear.
Beyond the immediate operation, Governor Soludo has invested in equipping security operatives with the resources they need to succeed. The provision of a fleet of vehicles and AI-aided security gadgets demonstrates a commitment to modernising law enforcement and improving surveillance capabilities. These tools, praised by security personnel, are already proving crucial in tracking and apprehending criminals. This is just the beginning.
Thus, the alleged security crisis in Anambra State and Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s response to it, offers a compelling case study in the stark contrast between this reactive tendency and the power of a well-thought-out, strategic approach. While critics clamoured for immediate, visible action, Governor Soludo chose instead to build a foundation for long-term security. Now, as the results of his calculated strategy become increasingly evident, it is time to ask ourselves: isn’t it time we, as a society, learned to value strategic thinking over the fleeting satisfaction of quick fixes?
In the long term, the success of ‘Operation Udo Ga-Achi’ and the ‘Agunechemba’ initiative will not just be about reacting to individual incidents. It is about proactively disrupting criminal operations, dismantling their infrastructure, and restoring a sense of security and hope to the state. As Governor Soludo’s strategic thinking and refusal to be swayed by short-term criticisms are now bearing fruit, Anambra is witnessing a turning of the tide, with hope replacing despair. Yes, the original Solution is still working. Peace will indeed reign in Anambra.
