Kingsley Ezekwelu
The Anambra State Government has inaugurated a ten-man panel of enquiry into the prolonged communal crises between Abagana, Ukpo and Enugu Ukwu communities in the state.
Gov Willie Obiano who inaugurated the panel, appointed Justice E. C K Anigbogu, as its chairman and Nwofor Nwankwo as the secretary. Other members included Bishop David Ebelechukwu, the commander 302 Artillery Regiment, Col Isah Abdullahi and the state commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Sule Momodu, the state director, State Security Service (SSS), Mr Yusuf Isiaka, the former secretary to the State government, Mr Oseloka Obaze, an aide to the Governor, Ven Amaechi Okwuosa and Mrs Josephine Aneni.
He charged them to determine the immediate and remote causes of the dispute and disturbances in these neighboring communities spread within Njikoka and Dunukofia councils, and to determine the major parties to the disputes and their respective roles in the dispute and the role of law enforcement and security agencies in addressing the dispute.
Gov Obiano assured that his administration would continue to pursue initiatives that will forster peaceful co-existence among communities of the state and asked the panel to make recommendations to the state government on measures to permanently address the crises.
He regretted the numerous setbacks the crises had caused the state and the conflicting communities, pointing out that what the administration envisaged in setting up the Panel was for a template that would solve the immediate problems, preempting and mitigating a recurrence of such crises in other communities in the state.
He therefore urged the Panel to immediately hit the ground running to ensure that they deliver on their mandate within the four months period, assuring them of the committed support of the state government.
Also, the secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu said the peace initiative was consistent with the efforts of the incumbent administration since it assumed office to arrest insecurity and create a socially stable environment that will promote meaningful development in the State.
Chairman of the committee, Justice Anigbogu, on behalf of other members expressed gratitude to Gov Obiano for the opportunity to serve in state in such capacity and promised to execute their assignment in compliance with terms of reference.
