The Young Progressives Party (YPP) governorship candidate in the upcoming Anambra State election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo of mismanaging security funds, alleging the state receives about ₦3 billion monthly as security vote despite persistent insecurity.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Chukwuma described the situation as “disturbing,” lamenting that such a significant allocation has not translated into improved safety for citizens of the state.
“Anambra State Government collects in the neighbourhood of ₦3 billion monthly as security vote, yet insecurity continues unabated in our dear state,” he said.
He criticized the Soludo administration’s inability to curtail killings, kidnappings, and other criminal activities, questioning the government’s strategy and political will.
Chukwuma promised that if elected, his government would directly channel security funds into actionable security measures.
The YPP candidate outlined a comprehensive security strategy, including A 24/7 emergency response helpline, Statewide CCTV network linked to a central surveillance hub, Upgraded police infrastructure and well-equipped patrol vehicles, 21 service centres across local governments for vehicle support, Acquisition of drones, firearms, trackers, and other modern policing tools, Training and allowances for police officers with a four-year mandatory service period, as well as Supervised community vigilante groups for neighbourhood security
“These measures are not only achievable but affordable if funds are properly utilised,” Chukwuma stated. “What Anambra needs is a leader who knows what to do and has the courage to do it. I am that man.”
In response, Ejimofor Opara, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Soludo on New Media, dismissed the ₦3 billion figure as fiction, accusing Chukwuma of political grandstanding.
“The alleged ₦3bn monthly security vote is a figment of his imagination. Not to my knowledge,” Opara said.
He accused the YPP candidate of using Governor Soludo’s name for relevance, adding that the administration has made notable progress in the area of security by supporting law enforcement agencies, empowering local vigilantes, and backing coordinated joint security efforts across the state.
Opara maintained that while security challenges persist, Soludo’s government has restored relative peace to areas once under siege.
Meanwhile, on the campaign trail in Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area, Chukwuma identified infrastructure and security neglect as pressing issues in the region.
He noted poor connectivity between communities, network challenges, and insecurity as major concerns, pledging to change the narrative.
“We will ensure all communities in Awka North become accessible,” he said. “We will also resolve the persistent network issues affecting residents.”
He further alleged that Awka North receives between ₦8–9 billion annually in federal allocations, totaling over ₦30 billion since the current administration began, yet the area remains underdeveloped and unsafe.
“Our farmers have been abandoned. Criminals now occupy farmlands. We will support our farmers and help them scale production, including access to export markets,” Chukwuma assured.
