…By Mary Obi, Anambra

Thousands of youths under the umbrella of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions Youth Wing (ASATU Youth) staged a peaceful solidarity rally in Awka the state capital, voicing support for Governor Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and the continued operation of the community security outfit known as Agunechemba or Udo Ga Chi.

The youth-led procession, which drew participants from all 179 communities across Anambra’s 21 local government areas, including non-indigenes was aimed at countering recent calls for the disbandment of the vigilante group by some political figures in the state.

The rally began at Aroma Junction and snaked through major streets in Awka, ending at the Anambra State Government House (Light House). The demonstrators carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Support Udo Ga Chi”, “Soludo is Working”, and “Secure Anambra, Not Politicize Security.” They also chanted solidarity songs in support of Governor Soludo’s administration and his security initiatives.

Addressing the crowd, Comrade Ken Okoli, National President of ASATU Youth, emphasized that the rally was not a political campaign but a grassroots declaration of trust in the current security architecture.

“We are here to say clearly that Operation Udo Ga Chi is working. Communities across Anambra are safer today, and we must give credit to the security team and the Governor who empowered them,” Okoli said.

“Yes, we condemn the reported misconduct involving a female NYSC member and we demand that those responsible face the full weight of the law. But we will not allow isolated incidents to be used as a pretext to dismantle a structure that has largely restored peace and security.”

Comrade Okoli also took aim at politicians calling for the disbandment of the vigilante group, suggesting their motives may not be in the best interest of the state.

“Some of these politicians are trying to use the security issue to heat up the polity ahead of the November 8 elections. We reject any move to destabilize Anambra under the guise of reform. Disbanding Agunechemba now would leave our communities vulnerable to crime and political thuggery.”

Receiving the protesters on behalf of Governor Soludo, Chief of Staff Sir Ernest Ezeajughi praised the youths for their peaceful conduct and civic engagement. He assured them that their concerns and recommendations would be conveyed directly to the Governor.

“Governor Soludo is committed to securing every inch of Anambra. The success we have achieved in reducing kidnapping and violent crime is the result of a collaborative effort between state agencies and community-based outfits like Agunechemba,” Ezeajughi stated.

“Security should never be politicized. We call on all political stakeholders to work with the government to sustain the peace we are enjoying today.”

Ezeajughi further urged political leaders across the 21 local governments and 326 wards to mobilize their youths in support of constructive efforts to build a safer Anambra, rather than undermine existing structures for political gain.

The rally concluded without incident, with the state government reiterating its commitment to addressing security challenges while promoting community participation in governance.