Okon Aku: Abia Govt Inaugurates Administrative Panel to Investigate Crisis

Abia State Government has inaugurated a 7-man administrative panel of enquiry headed retired Justice Kenneth Wosu to investigate the crisis in Okon Aku community, Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu while Inaugurating the panel in his office, charged members to carry out their duties with diligence.

Nwachukwu noted that the panel was constituted following the unfortunate incident that occurred in the community, adding that the panel would determine the remote and immediate causes of the crises.

Other terms of reference include to identify individuals, groups, institutions or bodies directly or indirectly involved in the escalation of the conflict.

The panel is also expected to examine the role of the traditional institutions, youth groups, leadership structures and other stakeholders in the conflict as well as review the administrative, socio-economic, cultural and security dimensions of the crisis.

“To recommend measures to ensure lasting peace, harmony, justice and communal cohesion, to recommend sanctions, where appropriate, against individuals, groups or bodies found culpable.

“To make any further recommendations deemed necessary in the interest of public peace and order and sustainable community relations,” Prince Nwachukwu stated.

Prince Nwachukwu, who expressed confidence on the capacity of the members of the panel to perform, thanked them for accepting to serve and wished them fruitful deliberations

The panel which has 30 days to submit its report to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Kenneth Wosu thanked Governor Alex Otti for approving their membership of the panel, adding that, with the calibre of the members, there is no doubt that they would carry out a thorough job.

Hon. Justice Kenneth O. Wosu (Rtd.) is the Chairman, with members including Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.), Barr. Obinna Chimbuo, HRM Eze Kalu Ogbu, HRM Eze Franklin Nwosu, Mr. Ahunaya George, Head of Service, Ohafia LGA, and Mrs Charity Okeagu, Director, Chieftaincy Affairs who serves as Secretary of the panel.