Otti Inaugurates Panel To Investigate Crisis In Abia Community

The Abia state government has inaugurated a 7-man Administrative Panel of Enquiry to investigate and to restore peace and justice in Okon Aku community, Ohafia Local Government Area, following the violent crisis that rocked the area and reportedly led to the loss of life.

The panel is chaired by Hon. Justice Kenneth O. Wosu (Rtd.), a respected retired High Court judge, is also charged with the responsibility to unravel the root causes of the crisis and recommend lasting solutions.

Addressing the panel during the Inauguration on Tuesday at the JAAC Secretariat, Umuahia, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, stated that the administration of Governor Alex Otti would not ignore any incident that threatens peace and communal harmony.

According to Prince Nwachukwu, the decision to set up the panel followed disturbing reports and images showing the severity of the Okon Aku crisis, which threw the community into fear, grief, and instability.

“We are all aware that a couple of days back, there erupted a very serious community crisis in Okon Aku, Ohafia, leading to loss of life. The government, in its wisdom under His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, has directed that this panel be set up to determine the remote and immediate causes of that conflict,” he said.

The panel’s clear terms of reference includes: “To investigate the remote and immediate causes of the Okon Aku crisis.

“To identify individuals, groups, or institutions involved in escalating the conflict.

“To Examine the role of traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leadership

“To review the administrative, socio-economic, cultural, and security dimensions of the crisis

“To recommend sanctions against anyone found culpable

“To propose measures for lasting peace, justice, and communal harmony

“To make any other recommendations necessary in the interest of public peace and order.

The panel is mandated to conclude its work and submit a report to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within 30 days.

Other members of the panel included Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.) -Member, Barr. Obinna Chimbuo, Member, HRM Eze Kalu Ogbu -Member, HRM Eze Franklin Nwosu -Member, Mr. Ahunaya George, Head of Service, Ohafia LGA -Member, and Mrs Charity Okeagu, Director, Chieftaincy Affairs, who serves as Secretary of the panel.

Speaking on behalf of the panel, Justice Wosu thanked Governor Alex Otti for the confidence reposed in them, promising a thorough and impartial investigation.

“Peace and progress are like twin brothers, you cannot have one without the other. That is why His Excellency has not undermined this crisis. We assure Abians that we will discharge our mandate with integrity and diligence,” he said.

The inauguration was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lady Oge Maduka, alongside senior management staff.