Anambra State ‘Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission’ has organized a stakeholders engagement with the aim to foster dialogue that will address the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence, and armed struggle in the South East.
The commission, established by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the wake of the insecurity crisis in Anambra State and in the South East region, mandated to uncover the truth, provide justice, and promote peace and security.
The Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in his speech called on the people of South-East geopolitical zone (Igbos), to embrace peace for sustainable development of the region.
Soludo who made the call through his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim described peace as key to development. He lamented at the rate at which the zone has lose lives and property to violence and social unrests, calling on all to join hands to restore peace for the good of all.
The Deputy governor, appreciated the Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission for their efforts towards enthroning peace in Southeast, and tasked them to come up with a strong solution to the violence in the zone at the end of the deliberation.
In his opening address, the chairperson of the commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, emphasizing the importance of collective participation in achieving security.
Odinkalu highlighted that the commission seeks to create a platform for open dialogue on ways to restore normalcy and consistency in the region, acknowledging that peace and stability in the region is very paramount to promoting indigenization.
He applauded the Governor Soludo’s led administration for its high investment in ensuring security in the state.
“Truth, equity and justice are solutions to the wanton killings and other violent actions in Nigeria. Am calling on both the government and the citizenry to adequately play their respective roles and imbibe the method of dialogue for a peaceful society.
In her remarks, the secretary to the commission, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed optimism about the outcomes of the stakeholders’ engagement. She noted that the Commission is dedicated to transparency, impartiality, and inclusivity, assuring participants that their inputs and suggestions would be duly considered in the development of future policies and programs.
In their various remarks, some stakeholders including the Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Ikenna Ofodeme and the National Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene praised the commission for its inclusiveness and commitment to ensuring a peaceful and stable environment is achieved.
During the event, the engagement gave participants the opportunity to share their experiences, express their grievances, and propose initiatives and recommendations for a more secured environment
ANN reports that the Commission had on February 17, 2023 submitted their interim report to Governor Soludo and it is expected that with these engagements they will identify further issues not captured in their reports.
