Soludo appoints Odinkalu, Bianca for justice, peace committee to quell agitations

Anambra Governor Charles Soludo has formed a 15-man Truth, Justice, and Peace Committee to address the state’s escalating incidences of agitation, insecurity, and other concerns.

Other renowned sons and daughters from the five South-Eastern states of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Anambra make up the committee, which is chaired by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and secretary by Mrs Bianca Ojukwu.

Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, the state government’s Secretary, made the announcement in Awka on Wednesday, April 6, in a statement signed and made accessible to press.

The statement stated that it will take six months from the time of the inauguration to the conclusion of the mission.

The committee’s mission and terms of reference, according to Chukwulobelu, include seeking a restorative justice method for truth telling or true facts, and for the healing of victims of abuse.

According to him, the committee’s mission is to pinpoint the root causes of agitations, unrest, violence, and armed conflict in the South East since 1999.

“Document victims and 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,” he stated.

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He further added that the committee would address any other issues 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 and South-East,” the SSG stated.

Others members of the committee include; Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, Dr. Udenta Udenta, Dr. Uju Agomoh, Rev. Fr Jerome Madueke, Canon Okechukwu Obi-Okoye and Mr Charles Oputa (Charly Boy).

Others are: Dr John Otu, Mr Ngozi Odumuko, Ms Onyeka Onwenu, Dr Joe Abah Mr Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Mr Sam Egwuatu and Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.

Over the weekend, Soludo confirmed that his administration is offering “amnesty” to agitators in the State.

Soludo stated this during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday.

Over the last months, South-East States, including Anambra, have witnessed a spate of violent attacks and security operatives have borne the major brunt of the onslaught.

This is amid the weekly sit-at-home order on Monday, despite being suspended by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).