The Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo has received the final report from the 15-member Truth, Justice and Peace Committee set up in April 2022 to help address rising cases of agitation, insecurity and other challenges in the state and South-East.
Penpushing reports that it is recalled that the committee is headed by a renowned human rights activist, Prof Chidi Odinkalu while Bianca Ojukwu, the widow of the late Biafra leader, Odumegwu Ojukwu, served as the secretary, with some notable personalities from other states in the South-East serving as members of the committee.
The Governor who received the report on Wednesday at the Government House Awka in a statement by his spokesperson Christian Aburime commended the Chairperson of the committee, for his dedication and the historic nature of the report,
Penpushing further reports that Soludo promised to carry out swift action based on the committee’s recommendations, and hinted on plans to dissolve his cabinet into sub-committees in analysing and implementing the recommendations
The Governor emphasised that the report has the potential to serve as a national framework for addressing security challenges just as he expressed concern about the impact of crime and violence on young people.
Penpushing also reports that Soludo called for collaboration with federal government agencies, regional governments, security services including the State Vigilante Group, and the local communities in crime fighting.
The Governor who reiterated his commitment to achieving sustainable peace in the South-East, said he plans to share the report with national security agencies and work with neighbouring states to address the cross-border nature of criminal activities.
Penpushing reports that he assured residents of the region that he will read every sentence in the report and ensure its recommendations are implemented for a safer future, stressing the need for community involvement, including religious institutions, in tackling the challenges and described the approach as a crusade requiring collective action.
The Committee Chairman earlier during the report presentation thanked the Governor for entrusting them with the task, noting that the biggest structural factor in violence is the political economy of land, not the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network.
Penpushing further reports that he pointed out that while Lagos State is gaining land, Anambra is losing land due to ecological pressure, crises in leadership and impunity, disclosing that the committee surveyed sixty-six communities in the state
‘The committee surveyed 66 communities in the state, documenting cases of traditional rulers, security agents, presidents-general, and community members who have disappeared and remain missing,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Odinkalu noted that there was a need to end the use of the term unknown gunmen especially by the media, and equally called for development of a 25-year security strategy to reform community governance and establish an agency for the protection of victims and accountability for violence.
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