Former Nigeria’s Human Rights Chief, Odinkalu Heads Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Committee

Anambra State Government has unveiled members of the Truth, Justice and Peace Committee.

The unveiling followed the outcome of the Peace Building and Security Dialogue, convened by Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center, Awka.

Government House Correspondent Ejike   reports that the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu unveiled the names at the Government House, Awka.

The Truth, Justice and Peace Committee has Professor Chidi Odinkalu as its chairman while Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu serves as the Secretary.

The members are Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, Dr Udenta Udenta, Dr Uju Agommo, Reverend Father Mary-Jerome Mmadueke and Canon Dr. Okechukwu Obi-Okoye.

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

The committee has a period of six months from its inauguration to present its preliminary report, and has not later than two months after the sunset of receipt of feed-back from the state government to present final report.

Recall that out of the growing concern on the spate of insecurity in Igbo Land, a dialogue was convened by the state government and attended by critical stakeholders including Security Chiefs, Religious Leaders, Community Leaders, among others.

The committee has as its terms of reference to identify the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence and armed struggle 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.

Other terms of reference include addressing any other issues that may be germane to unravelling the extent of the crisis and charting the roadmap for the future as well as make recommendations for sustainable peace and security in Anambra State and South East.

Professor Chukwulobelu, who pointed out that Nigeria is facing a security challenge, said that the unveiling is pursuant to the call as contained in item 7c of the joint declaration by stakeholders at the dialogue.

He further stated that the committee will report directly to the governor or whoever he appoints and is free to draw up their methodology.