Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has set up a seven-man administrative panel of enquiry to investigate the crisis in Okon Aku community, Ohafia Local Government Area of the state, with retired Justice Kenneth Wosu serving as Chairman.
This followed a recent crisis that erupted in Okon Aku community, which claimed the life of a youth leader.
Inaugurating the panel of enquiry on Tuesday at the JAAC Secretariat, Umuahia, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, charged members of the panel to carry out their duties with diligence.
He said that constituting the panel was necessitated by the unfortunate incident that occurred in the community, adding that the panel would determine the remote and immediate causes of the crisis.
“We are all aware that a couple of days back, there erupted a very serious community crisis in Okon Aku, in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, leading to loss of life, according to the pictures that we saw.
“And the community has been in disquiet since then. In the wisdom of this government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, it has been directed that this administrative panel of enquiry be empanelled in order to determine the remote and immediate causes of that conflict.”
The terms of reference given to the panel include:
“to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the crisis in Okon Aku Ohafia community; to identify individuals, groups, institutions or bodies directly or indirectly involved in the escalation of the conflict;
“to examine the role of traditional institutions, youth groups, leadership structures and other stakeholders in the conflict; to review the administrative, socio-economic, cultural and security dimensions of the crisis;
“to recommend measures to ensure lasting peace, harmony, justice and communal cohesion; to recommend sanctions, where appropriate, against individuals, groups or bodies found culpable;
“to make any further recommendations deemed necessary in the interest of public peace and order and sustainable community relations,” Prince Nwachukwu stated.
Prince Nwachukwu, who expressed confidence in the capacity of the members of the panel to perform, thanked them for accepting to serve and wished them fruitful deliberations.
The panel, which has 30 days to submit its report to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has the following members: Hon. Justice Kenneth O. Wosu (Rtd.) – Chairman; Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.); Obinna Chimbuo; HRM Eze Kalu Ogbu; and HRM Eze Franklin Nwosu.
Others are Mr. Ahunanya George, Head of Service, Ohafia LGA, Member; and Mrs. Charity Okeagu, Director, Chieftaincy Affairs, who serves as Secretary of the panel.
Responding on behalf of other members of the administrative panel of enquiry, the Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Kenneth Wosu, thanked Governor Alex Otti for approving their membership of the panel.
He said that, with the calibre of members on the panel, he had no doubt that they would carry out a thorough job, adding that they would work in line with the stance of Governor Alex Otti as it concerns peace and progress in the state.
“I have no doubt that we shall do a thorough job in carrying out the letters of our mandate.
“We all know that His Excellency is doing everything to ensure that there is peace and progress in our state, and peace and progress are like twin brothers; you cannot have one without the other.
“So, I believe that it is in that spirit that he has not undermined the crisis in question and has decided to empanel us in order to enable his government to take appropriate policy decisions in addressing the issue. We therefore guarantee that we will do our best and believe that God will guide us accordingly. So help us God,” Justice Wosu stated.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, and management staff of the Ministry were present at the inauguration.
