Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has been told to take decisive action against communities and their leaders who were found to be abusing the new Anambra State Homeland Security Law introduced in the state.
Earlier on Monday, there were online reports saying that the governor has banned women who do not wear pants and bra from the state.
The reports claimed that those found wanting would be prosecuted according to the new law.
This was corroborated by a viral video trending, showing a local public announcement vehicle accompanied by a vigilante vehicle, at Abagana Community in Njikoka Council Area of the state, announcing a prison sentence for anyone found culpable.
See the video...
The video has generated widespread condemnation from netizens, many of whom were of the opinion that the governor was abusing the powers of his office.
According to a Facebook user with the Neto Ugbo, the governor’s disposition is an infringement on the rights of the citizens, vowing that the youths of the state will lead a protest, should such a law be enforced.
He wrote; “We dey wait to see how the governor will enforce such obnoxious law. We, the Anambra youths will resist such a move with serious protest.”
Another Facebook user, Onu Ndi Aguata comically wrote; “Soludo should give me the work of stop and search to check ladies with pants and bras.
“Give me 14 Agunechemba to intimidate our young girls in schools.
“The only way to know who wears pants and bra is to look under and check. Who knows they may be the kidnappers and organ harvesters too.”
But, according to a human rights activist and lawyer, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, who appears not convinced that the Anambra Government would introduce such laws, the government should investigate the videos.
He also raised concerns over what he called ‘credible reports of abuse of the law against young girls, calling for such issues to be thrashed accordingly.
“The Anambra State Government should be ruthless in locating the people abusing the new Homeland Security Law in the manner of this announcement in Abagana.
“Credible reports of abuse of the law against young women are being reported. That needs to be stamped out,” he said.
Our correspondent reached out to the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, to ascertain whether there are any such directives from the governor, as quoted in various media sections.
Mefor, who acknowledged the inquiry, however, promised to respond later as he said he was in a meeting of the State Executive Council.
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