Nnewi has collapsed to crime —Lawmaker

Member Representing Nnewi South, Nnewi North and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Chris Azubogu yesterday said the state of crime in Nnewi and environs is threatening to collapse the Industrial city in Anambra state.

Azubogu spoke during a constituency briefing / interaction with his constituents at the Conv-Aj Center Nnewi yesterday, chaired by the Chairman of Cutix Plc Nnewi , Chief Dr Ajulu Uzodike.

Uzodike who described the outing as hallmark of democracy, encouraged Hon Azubogu to do more of interaction with his constituents’ tom be able to feel their pulse on issues on regular basis.

Addressing the constituents Azubogu said, ‘’It is of note that crime is threatening to close down Nnewi and her neigbours. It is our sole duty to sit up our neighbourhood watch to ensure that information and intelligence gathering in our communities to enhance security and wellbeing. It is by Igbos that ‘’Udo n’ifunanya n’eweta oganiru’’ meaning peace and love brings progress and development.

‘’If we create an atmosphere of safety people will invest in our place countries that do business with us will invest an example is in the early 80’s when telephone communication was a problem in Nigeria . Japanese Governemnt donated a digital exchange for Nnewi to enhance business between Nnewi and Japan hence the word Japan of Africa, where are we today."

On a recent survey on Nnewi , Azubogu said,’’ I wish to tell you that recent survey have shown that ; Educationally we are drifting , secondly poverty level is on the alarming side . In the last ten years from 2001 to 2011 poverty level has grown from 20 percent to 65 percent.’’

"People who want to invest in buildings and industries are being discouraged, banks are also discouraged from giving facility to do businesses that are here, it is always on the news that banks are robbed or people are kidnapped thereby , discouraging investment and investors from coming to do business.

"Foreigners who wanted to come and explore opportunities are discouraged by the state of insecurity in our place. This in turn is affecting us negatively because everybody who tells their embassy that they are coming to Nnewi in Anambra state would be discouraged."