From Anayo Onukwugha, Awka
The Anambra State Government has listed human rights activist, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and Amb. Bianca Ojukwu to lead a 15-member Committee on Truth, Justice and Peace.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, announced Wednesday evening in a statement that Odinkalu is the chairman of the committee, while Amb. Ojukwu is secretary.
The list shows that the committee members were selected from the five states in the South-East geo-political zone.
“Given the cross-border nature of the conflict, the focus goes beyond Anambra state, and possibly covers the entire South-East,” Chukwulobelu stated.
The committee is to dig for truth and facts that can be used to search for peace, reconcile the aggrieved, and develop the state.
Government also hopes to use the committee’s report to seek healing for victims of violence, while imposing responsibility and accountability on the actors.
The Commiittee will also guide government on issues of amnesty to perpetrators, restitution for losses, and rehabilitation for the perpetrators.
The overall aim, the SSG said, is “ the restoration of peace and justice as well as promotion of development in the State”.
*Terms of Reference:To achieve this aim, the State Government specifically mandated the Committee to:Identify the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence, and armed struggle in the South East since 1999.Document victims/circumstances of death, brutality and incarceration.Identify stakeholders and groups who have played critical roles in the agitations and conflicts, their roles, capabilities and demands.Address any other issue(s) that may be germane to unravelling the extent of the crisis and charting the roadmap for the future.Make recommendations for sustainable peace and security in Anambra state/Southeast.
The committee will directly report to the Governor or anyone else he designates, Chukwulobelu said.
Gov Soludo pledged to provide administrative support to the committee which is given six months to complete its task.
Chukwulobelu did not however announce date of inauguration but said this will be communicated to Committee members.
*The Committee Members:
Members of the 15-member Committee are as follows:
- Professor Chidi Odinkalu (Chairman)
- Amb. Bianca Ojukwu (Member/Secretary)
- Dr. Joe Nwaorgu
- Dr. Udenta Udenta – Member
- Dr. Uju Agomoh — Member
- Rev. Fr (Msgnr) Jerome Madueke
- Canon Dr. Okechukwu C. Obi-Okoye
- Mr. Charles Oputa (Charly Boy)
- Dr. John Otu
- Mr. Ngozi Odumuko
- Ms Onyeka Onwenu
- Dr. Joe Abah
- Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu
- Mr. Sam Egwuatu
- Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu
