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By Madu Obi
The member representing Ogbaru federal constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Ogene, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the setting up of a Commission of Enquiry to address the communal crisis in Ogwuaniocha, Ogbaru local government area of the state.
The traditional ruler of the community, who was abducted on November 15, 2021, in the wake of the crisis, is yet to be accounted for. Since then, there has been no progressive social or economic activities in the community as a result of the intractable crisis.
Also, no fewer than 5,000 residents of the community were displaced from both their homes and farmlands by suspected criminal gangs who took over the community and its environs since the crisis started many years ago, leading to untold hardship and increased criminality in the area.
The 13 -member panel inaugurated by the governor has Hon. Justice C. E. K Anigbogu, Rtd as chairman, with Professor Felicia Anyogu as secretary.
Other members are Patricia Igwebuike, General Laz Iloh, Rtd, Monsignor Theo Odukwe, Ven. Dr. Chinedu Nnatunya, Prof. Ikenna Alumona, Mr. Benjamin Uzoka, Chief Emma Obi, HRH Victor Awogu, Prof. Ikem Ivite Nwadigwe, Comrade Emeka Okoye-Ozo and Prof. Charles Ofoegbu.
The Commission has already requested for memoranda from interested parties to say what they know about the crisis, to assist the panel in facilitating reconciliation in Ogwuaniocha community, adding that it would entertain oral evidence when it commences sitting after the collation of memoranda
Ogene, who had consistently called on the Anambra State government to make deliberate efforts to end the communal conflict in Ogwuaniocha community, said on Sunday that the governor's move has the potential of reducing the incidents of violent crimes and other criminality in Ogbaru and Anambra State in general.
He had reminded the governor that Ogwuaniocha, as an oil bearing community, contributes over 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day, which earned the state its oil producing status, and thus, deserves to be protected from the agents of destruction, essentially, as the security of lives and property is the primary purpose of government.
He also called on all concerned to embrace the latest development and seek sustainable reconciliation for the overall peace and development of Ogwuaniocha.
Ogene had in February and April this year, appealed to the state government to set up a panel of inquiry to address the violent conflict and bring an end to the years of lawlessness, fear, reprisal killings and criminality in the community.
He had also sponsored a motion in the House of Representatives, calling attention of the nation to the devastation in the community and the dire living conditions of the displaced residents and requested for relief materials, which was later granted by government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
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