RULAAC, Stakeholders Hail Anambra Homeland Law, Seek Equitable Justice System
Stakeholders have commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for his bold steps towards talking insecurity in Anambra through thr promulgation of Homeland Security Law and launch of Agunechemba security outfit.
The stakeholders made the commendation at a Town Hall Meeting on Human Rights, Police Accountability and Justice Administration in Awka on Wednesday.
The meeting was organised by Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Stakeholders Partnership Forum (PSPF)
In her keynote speech, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Anambra said the Homeland Security Law enacted by Soludo was a holistic legal framework meant to combat the menace of insecurity and social vices.
Ifemeje said the law which had become a template for other states was not discriminatory but to protect the culture and tradition of the people from abuse.
Dr Law Mefor said Anambra had witnessed one full month of no criminal attack or repel since the launch of Agunechemba security outfit and was determined to sustain it indefinitely.
Mefor said the arrested native doctors were still being investigated with preliminary findings that are alarming adding that they would soon have their day in court.
Also speaking, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, a veteran Diplomat and Development Studies Expert has called for stricter punishment as a way of de-escalating insecurity in the country.
She called Gov. Charles Soludo to employ more magistrates and legal personnel and establish mobile courts in crime prone areas with the aim to increase access to justice for the people.
She urged that effective Police complaint mechanisms be out in place to ensure that law enforcement agencies served and protected communities with integrity and respect for human rights.
“This will build trust, camaraderie, promote collaborative problem solving and contain police excesses.
“No society can exist peaceably without the emplacement of a stable sanctions, punishment and reward system,” she said.
In his address of welcome, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC said the Anambra PSPF which was formed in 2019 had provided a platform for ensuring that Police personnel were held accountable for violations of rights.
Nwanguma said the essence of Town Hall meeting was to foster a culture of respect for human rights, enhance accountability, and promote effective criminal justice delivery.
“This This Town Hall Meeting is an invitation to each of you to engage in meaningful dialogue, to share your insights, and to collaborate on strategies that will further our collective goals.
He said the justice system must have the elements of accountability, transparency, trust in law enforcement. from independence from undue influence, fairness to all and prompt resolution of disputes.
“By upholding these values, Police complaint mechanisms can enhance public trust and confidence in law enforcement.
“We welcome the bold and audacious steps taken by the Governor of Anambra in confronting crime and insecurity in the state by enacting the new Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025.
“The law establishes a complementary security provider for the state called “Agunechemba, this initiative is worth supporting without partisan or other mundane considerations.
“The welfare and security of the people and residents of this state must be put first and ahead of any other personal or narrow interests,” he said.
