TENSION ERUPTS In Igboland As Popular Chief Now Carries AK- 47 Rifle Wherever He Goes; SEE Details
Chief Celestine Okoye, a respected citizen of Anambra State and an influential stakeholder in Awka, has recently addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video in which he was seen carrying an AK- 47 rifle at a public event.
Chief Okoye, who served as a Deputy Inspector- General (DIG) in the Nigeria Police Force before his retirement, explained the circumstances that led to the incident. According to Chief Okoye, the rifle did not belong to him. Instead, it was the property of a police officer who was assigned to escort him to the event.
The officer, however, became suddenly ill and was unable to carry the weapon. As a result, the officer left the rifle with Chief Okoye for safekeeping. Chief Okoye emphasized that he was merely holding the weapon temporarily and had no intention of using it.
Chief Okoye expressed surprise that the incident was recorded, noting that he was unaware of being filmed. He firmly denied any allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing, explaining that he was only assisting the officer during an unexpected situation.
In addition to clarifying the situation, Chief Okoye voiced his concerns about the growing insecurity in Awka, the capital of Anambra State. He highlighted the alarming rates of kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery plaguing the area. He placed part of the blame on the government, security agencies, and even parents, arguing that they have not done enough to address these issues effectively.
Chief Okoye also criticized the way security issues are being politicized in Anambra State. He recalled a recent attempt to meet with Governor Chukwuma Soludo to discuss possible solutions to the security challenges. Unfortunately, his offer to engage in dialogue was declined.
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In his recommendations, Chief Okoye called for the adoption of practical intelligence policing and community policing initiatives. He believes these measures are crucial for tackling the rising criminal activities in Anambra State. He urged both the government and the community to work together to restore peace and security to the region.
The viral video incident has sparked a conversation about the state of security in Anambra, and Chief Okoye’ s statements have brought to light the need for more effective and coordinated efforts to address the challenges facing the state.