Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Dr Ikioye Orutugu, says his administration restored Monday trading in Anambra by confronting the sit-at-home order and mobilising security agencies, government and the media against the directive.
Orutugu, who served as Commissioner of Police in Anambra, said this at a thanksgiving service at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, of Anambra on Sunday.
The sit-at-home was imposed by non-state actors to press home their demand for the actualisation of Biafra.
The former police chief said restoring economic activities was critical because Anambra’s economy depended heavily on buying and selling.
He said that residents were not expected to stay away from markets on Mondays as the practice negatively affected their economic wellbeing and security in the state.
“Anambra is not really an oil-producing state. What we know Anambra for is its buying and selling, so you cannot tell people not to open their markets and shops on Mondays.
“Citizens need to eat so there must be buying and selling in Anambra on Mondays,” he said.
Orutugu said the campaign to restore Monday trading involved sensitisation visits to Eke Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi markets, with the support of the state government, police public relations team and the media.
He expressed appreciation to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for supporting the police in the effort, saying the restoration of normal business activities was one of the major achievements of his tenure.
Reflecting on his 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force, Orutugu said his retirement was a graceful phase of his life because he had served the nation faithfully.
“When I came to Anambra, there was hardly a day you would not hear one bad story or another.
“I told myself that those negative stories must stop and they did stop,” he said.
Orutugu, who hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, said he never lobbied for promotion throughout his career, describing his progression from Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police to AIG as evidence of God’s favour.
The traditional ruler of Brass, Dr Otton-Efebo Shidi, described Orutugu as a worthy ambassador of his people and a source of pride to the community.
He said the retired police officer had distinguished himself through dedicated service to the Nigeria Police Force.
Also speaking, the officiating priest, Ven. Jason Onyekagbusi, described Orutugu as a testimony of dedicated service to society and humanity.
“He is a gift to us, the people of Anambra State. While he was here as Commissioner of Police, we witnessed his good performance,” he said.
Wan Chongs, Deputy Commissioner of police (SCID), Anambra State Command, described Orutugu as one of the best operational officers of the Nigeria Police Force ever produced.
Chongs said that Orutugu had an excellent working relationship with his team and believed in giving everyone a chance to prove themselves.
He is a good planner and trainer and holds community engagement dearly. I pray that he enjoys more blissful years.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Orutugu, born on Aug. 3, 1966, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos.
He served in various capacities across the country, including Assistant Commissioner of Police, Homicide Section, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, and Commander, Federal Highway Patrol Zone 5, covering Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa.
He is married with children and grandchildren.
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