By Chinedum Treasure
People of Idemili North local government area of Anambra State have been assured that the era of cult-related activities in the area would soon be over following signing of the anti-cultism law.
Council Chairman, Hon Stanley Nkwoka
who gave the assurance during the signing said the law was necessitated by prevailing killings occasioned by cultism especially among the youths.
He disclosed plans to set up a body to partner with the Police and other security agencies to enforce the law.
He said, “In Anambra, we have a challenge, and that’s cultism, which has extended to our local government.
“Last month, we had shootings that claimed lives. This led to a security meeting convened at my instance.
“All the monarchs, PGs and youth leaders and other well-meaning individuals were in attendance and came up with a by-law to checkmate cultism in our area.
“Our target is not to tell anyone not to join cult, if you want to do it secretly, go ahead, but not in the open, more so, when there’s no gain in it.
“Here in Idemili, we want peace and that’s the reason for the law which is the model of the state, and was graciously passed into law by Congress of Counsellors which we signed today to become operational.
“We’re also going to set up the body that will partner with the Police and other security agencies to enforce the law.
Describing the signing of the law as symbolic, Nkwoka expressed optimism that the law would go a long way to curbing cultistism, land grabbing, touting and other forms of insecurity in the area.
He however assured the law would not be abused by the enforcement agencies, calling on residents to feel free to report perpetrators within their area.
“With this law, there will be less cult killings and both indigenes and residents will now live happier and freer.
“I might not be the Mayor for ever, but the little time I have must be maximized for the good of our people.
“From today, perpetrators will go into hiding. I call on the youth to take advantage of the law to protect their various wards and polling units during the election.
“Be free to report to me any infraction or trouble maker within your area. We have the security architecture to intervene.
“When the law came up, some expressed fear of intimidation and harassment. I assure you nobody will be intimidated under my watch.”
The event graced by various youth leaders in the area featured signing of oyes signature campaign by President General Anambra state Town Unions Council (ASTUC) Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli in support of Governor Soludo second term bid.
PG of ASTUC youths. I’m here with youth leaders of 10 communities in the LG led by youth mayor to identify with the mayor.
We’re here to witness the signing of
We expect all youths to return home and vote, assuring the votes count, including following up the ballot boxes to ensure their protection to the collation centers.
