By Akinwale Kasali
The insecurity bedeviling the South East has been a major concern for stakeholders in the region, prompting Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman, Anambra State Truth, Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Commission, to call on other stakeholders in the South-East to fashion out better ways of achieving maximum security in the zone.
At a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Justice Commission in Awka, Anambra State Capital, Odinkalu said the security of lives and properties should be placed on top priority at all times, adding that everyone must be actively involved in the quest for adequate security in the region.
The Commission which was established by the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in the wake of the insecurity crisis in the State and within the South-East region was mandated to uncover the truth, provide justice, and promote peace and security.
The Chairman of the Commission while addressing the Stakeholders stressed that the meeting was aimed at creating a platform for open dialogue on ways to restore normalcy and consistency in the South East while acknowledging that peace and stability in the region are paramount to promoting trade and commerce.
He said, “We have serious problems to deal with. The commission will be looking at attacks on public facilities. There is a need to restore peace and normalcy back to the South-East, due to different agitations, human blood is no longer sacred in the South-East as killings have become very rampant and hundreds of people have died in the region.
“That is why this stakeholder engagement is very important and we cannot take it for granted. But particularly, we are looking at certain communities that have been ravaged by insecurity and these include Ukpor, Ihiala, Okija, Orsumoghu, Lilu, Obosi, Umunze, among others.
“Our goal is not to indict anybody or abuse anyone, our goal is to restore the stolen normalcy in the South-East and the enterprise base of Nigeria and in doing so, advance our collective development so that our sons and daughters can return home.”
On her part, Secretary to the Commission, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, wife of the Late Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu expressed optimism about the outcome of the stakeholders’ engagement, noting that the Commission is dedicated to ensuring transparency, impartiality, and inclusivity.
She said, “I am assuring participants that their inputs and suggestions will be duly considered in the development of future policies and programmes.
“The Commission was created to restore peace and normalcy in the South-East and heal the wounds caused by agitations from different groups.”
