Anambra Govt. Sets Up Panel To Look Into Ogwuaniocha Community Crisis
By Adaobi Nsofor
Anambra State Government has set up a Thirteen-man Committee to look into the lingering crisis bedeviling Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru LGA of the state, which has led to the destruction of many lives and property.
The Chairman of the Committee, Justice C K Anigbogu (Rtd), said that the committee is to determine the cause, the consequences and the implications on both the wider and smaller scale, profer remedies so that Ogwuaniocha would be peaceful once more, and the foundation for overall peace in Anambra State through that process can be achieved.
“We want to present the situation the way it is without any colouration, and we can say that so far, the members of the community have been very cooperative as there’s no incidence of antagonism throughout the proceedings”
“They have submitted their memoranda and have asked themselves very critical and crucial questions and given honest answers, and we commend them for that approach because that’s the only thing that would bring peace, and that is why we still asked them as a community to maintain peace and avoid any kind of provocative approach to issues that may inflame passions”, Justice Anigbogu added.
He further disclosed that so far, people of the community have conducted themselves creditably in their presentations, comported themselves and came out openly to say some few home truths. He urged the people to continue in that spirit, even as they still expect some number of people who would appear before the panel of inquiry.
The Chairman of the Committee encouraged them to come and bare their minds to enable the committee to properly assess the situation, collate the information gathered and make profer meaningful recommendations to the State Government.
While appealing to them, especially those who lost their loved ones or property to the crisis to exercise patience as the Government wants to address the issue holistically.
Justice Anigbogu admonished people if the community to avoid provocative languages, utterances and things that might continue to inflame the situation He further enjoined youths to sheath their swords and see themselves as brothers who have collective responsibility of protecting the community and the rich natural resources for their own benefit.
Mosignor Theophilus Odukwe and the traditional ruler of Osomala, Igwe Victor Awogu, in their separate speeches, advised the Ogwuaniocha community to come together and embrace peace for unity and the much needed development.
Members of the Panel of Inquiry are..Hon Justice CK Anigbogu, Prof. Felicitate Anyogu.
Patricia Igwebuike Esq. Gen. Laz Iloh, Mosignor Theophilus Odukwe, Ven Dr. Chinedu Nnatuanya, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu,. Prof. Ikenna Alumona, Mr Benjamin Uzoka, Chief Emma Obi, Prof. Charles Nwadigwe, Igwe Victor Awogu and Comrade Emeka Okoye-Ozo.
