Soludu launches truth and reconciliation commission with mandate to ascertain cause of restiveness

GOVERNOR Charles Soludo of Anambra State has instituted a truth and reconciliation committee with a mandate to unravel the true cause of armed struggle across the southeast geo-political zone which has led to the current insecurity.

To be headed by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, with Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu serving as secretary, the official name of the body is the Truth Justice and Peace Committee. Professor Osita Chukwulobelu, the secretary to the Anambra State government, said: “The purpose of the committee on truth justice and peace is to seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, for the healing of the victims of the violence.

“Accounting for responsibility and accountability of the actors, conditional mercy for the repentant perpetrators, restitution for certain losses and rehabilitation of the perpetrators, for the overall aim of restoration of peace and justice as well as the promotion of development in the State, and the region/Nigeria. Terms of reference for the committee are to identify the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence, and armed struggle in the southeast 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 and make recommendations for sustainable peace and security in Anambra State and the southeast."

Professor Chukwulobelu said the committee will have a direct reporting line to the governor, will be provided with administrative support to perform its duties and will conclude its work no later than six months from its inauguration. Other members of the committee include Dr Joe Nwaorgu, Dr Udenta Udenta, Dr Uju Agomoh, Reverend Father Jerome Madueke and Canon Dr Okechukwu Obi-Okoye.

Others are Charles Oputa, Dr John Otu,  Ngozi Odumuko, Ms Onyeka Onwenu, Dr Joe Abah, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Sam Egwuatu and Professor Joseph Ikechebelu.