By Vincent Ujumadu

Awka – John Nwosu, the Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant for Anambra State’s November 2025 election, has highlighted a significant drop in the number of returnees for the 2024 Christmas celebration due to the escalating insecurity in the state.

In a statement issued in Awka, Nwosu attributed the decline to ongoing violence, killings, and kidnappings in various parts of Anambra. He criticized the administration of Governor Charles Soludo, claiming it had failed to protect the citizens as required by law.

“Statistics show a drastic drop in the number of people returning to Anambra for the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year festivities. This is a direct result of the rising insecurity,” Nwosu stated.

He further expressed skepticism over the state government’s plans to address the crisis, noting that the government had announced measures to improve security starting in January 2025. Nwosu called this approach ill-timed, emphasizing that the government should have prioritized security much earlier.

“The Soludo administration has failed to prioritize the needs of Ndi Anambra. This approach is unacceptable. It’s alarming that a prominent Anambra prelate is still missing, and on Christmas Eve, an incumbent member of the Anambra State Assembly was kidnapped,” he said.

Nwosu criticized the governor’s handling of security, arguing that it should not be treated like a scheduled event. “State security is a 24/7 responsibility, requiring a firm commitment, adequate resources, personnel, equipment, and materials,” he stressed.

He concluded by calling for change in the state’s leadership, asserting that Anambra’s citizens could not afford to continue supporting a government that jeopardizes their safety.

“We cannot remain exiled from our homeland. Change is urgently needed, and we urge everyone to be part of this change,” Nwosu added.