TheCable

Charles Soludo, governor of Anambra state, has set up a 15-member truth, justice and peace committee to help address the secessionist agitations, insecurity and other challenges in the state.

Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and Bianca Ojukwu, a former ambassador, are the chairman and secretary respectively.

The panel consists of members from the five south-east states: Abia Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra.

Solo Chukwulobelu, secretary to the state government, announced the appointments in a statement issued on Wednesday in Awka, Anambra state capital.

Chukwulobelu said the purpose and terms of reference of the committee include seeking a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, for the healing of the victims of the violence.

He said the committee is to identify the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence, and armed struggle in the south-east since 1999.

The panel, he said, is expected to “document victims and circumstances of death, brutality and incarceration”.

They are also charged with identifying stakeholders and groups “who have played critical roles in the agitations and conflicts, their roles, capabilities and demands”.

He added that the committee would address any other issues that may be pertinent to unravelling the extent of the crisis and charting the roadmap for the future.

The panel is expected to sit for six months and make “recommendations for sustainable peace and security in Anambra state and south-east”.

Other members of the committee include:

Joe Nwaorgu

Udenta Udenta

Uju Agomoh

Jerome Madueke

Okechukwu Obi-Okoye

Charles Oputa (Charly Boy)

John Otu

Ngozi Odumuko

Onyeka Onwenu

Joe Abah

Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu

Sam Egwuatu

Joseph Ikechebelu