By Adaobi Nsofor :
A Thirteen Man Committee has been set up by the Anambra State Government to look into the lingering crisis in Ogwuaniocha, a community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state, which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties.
The Chairman of the Committee, Justice C K Anigbogu(Rtd) said that the state government wants to find out exactly what caused the problem, 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 coperative 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 mentioned that so far, the community have acquitted themselves creditably in their presentations, comported themselves and came out openly to say some few home truths, and urged them to continue in that spirit, even as they still expect some number of people who would appear before the panel of inquiry.
He encouraged them to come and bare their minds to enable the committee to access the situation, which at the end of the day, will collate all the information and make their suggestions known to the state government.
While appealing to them especially those who lost their persons or properties destroyed to exercise patience as the government wants to address the issue holistically, he admonished the community to avoid provocative language, utterances and things that might hurt.
He further enjoined the community, and the youths to sheath their sword and see themselves as brothers where everybody will have the collective responsibility of protecting the community and the rich natural resources so it will be of benefit to the community and the state at large.
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 as that would bring about unity and development they desire.
Members of the Committee of Panel of Inquiry included; Hon Justice CK Anigbogu, Prof. Felicitate Anyogu, Patricia Igwebuike (Esq), Gen. Laz Iloh;
Mosignor Theophilus Odukwe, Ven Dr. Chinedu Nnatuanya, Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu.
Others were; Prof. Ikenna Alumona, Mr Benjamin Uzoka, Chief Emma Obi, Prof. Charles Nwadigwe;
HRH Victor Awogu and Comrade Emeka Okoye-Ozo.
* Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *