Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State House of Assembly has passed an Executive Bill for a new security outfit known as ‘Agunechemba’ to fight all forms of criminality in the state.
During Thursday’s plenary, the State Assembly considered the Bill entitled ‘Anambra State Homeland Security Bill’ introduced for the creation of the new security outfit.
The law upon introduction was expedited, read for the first, second, and third time, and then passed into law.
Ikengaonline gathered that Agunechemba will provide for the maintenance of internal security and order in the State and is expected to take effect on January 17, 2025. The law has also repealed the 2015 Anambra State Vigilante Law.
In a joint press conference with the Chairmen and members of the House Committee on Media and Publicity and the Committee on Information, the Chairman of the Committee on Media, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, said that the law is one of the most essential laws that the Assembly has passed.
Speaking on the law’s contents, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu said that it empowered the Presidents-General of Communities to make regular security reports.
“Other aspects of the law include the requirement of valid means of identification from lodgers in hotels across the state. The law also required landlords to have details of their intending tenants,” Hon. Okechukwu revealed.
He added that the law provides action against unexplainable wealth, okite, and ezenwanyi practices relating to money rituals, thereby propagating the narrative of quick money.
Reacting, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, the Majority Leader of the House, said that the law is community-based. He also reiterated that the House is prepared to ensure the implementation of the law.
For Hon. Tony Muobuike, the law is solid and well-crafted. He further emphasised the law’s provisions for landlords and hoteliers to verify tenants and lodgers validly.
Responding to questions from journalists on human rights protection, safety of information providers, and the position of Anambra Vigilante Group – AVG, as well as possible demobilisation and disarmament of the AVG, the committee gave various ideas, to assuage those concerns.
On human rights protection, Hon. Ejike said that the law provides coverage for Agunechemba operatives while on duty but frowns at any kind of rights violation. He also said that the information givers are protected by law, citing the whistle-blower law that protects informants.
