In an earlier letter to Soludo, Ogene had warned that the ongoing unrest threatened not only the livelihood of the people but also the economic stability of the region.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has praised the governor of the state, Chukwuma Soludo, for setting up a Commission of Enquiry to address the longstanding communal crisis in Ogwuaniocha.
Ogbaru Local Government Area has over 5,000 displaced residents arising from the communal crisis, forcing them from their homes and farmlands, and allowing criminal gangs to take control of the area.
The newly constituted commission, which includes notable members from various sectors, aims to restore peace and resolve the conflict that has crippled the community.
Ogene, who has been a vocal advocate for government intervention in the crisis, expressed optimism that this step would significantly curb violence and criminality not only in Ogwuaniocha but also across Ogbaru and Anambra State.
“This move by Governor Soludo is a step in the right direction. It has the potential to reduce violent crimes and restore peace to the community, which has been in turmoil for far too long,” Ogene said in a statement from Awka on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
The lawmaker emphasised the importance of reconciliation for the development of Ogwuaniocha and the broader Ogbaru region, while urging all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to seek sustainable peace.
“Now is the time for all parties involved to embrace this development and work toward a lasting resolution. The future of Ogwuaniocha and Ogbaruland depends on our collective efforts to end the conflict and rebuild,” Ogene added.
The Commission of Enquiry, inaugurated on October 4, 2024, is chaired by retired Hon. Justice C. E. K. Anigbogu and includes 13 members, such as Professor Felicia Anyogu, Patricia Igwebuike Esq, and Gen. Laz Iloh (Rtd). The commission has already called for memoranda from interested parties to assist in understanding the root causes of the crisis.
“The panel’s request for memoranda from the community is an opportunity for everyone to share their experiences and insights, which will aid in the reconciliation process,” Ogene remarked.
Ogene has long advocated for this type of intervention. Earlier in 2024, he had appealed to the Anambra State Government to form a panel of inquiry, citing the devastating effects of the violence on the community.
“For years, Ogwuaniocha has been neglected, and the result has been lawlessness, fear, and suffering. The setting up of this commission offers hope for a new beginning,” he said.
Ogwuaniocha’s strategic importance as an oil-bearing community has further fueled the urgency of resolving the conflict. The area produces over 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it a vital source of revenue for the state.
In an earlier letter to Soludo, Ogene had warned that the ongoing unrest threatened not only the livelihood of the people but also the economic stability of the region. “Ogwuaniocha deserves to be protected. Its contribution to the state’s oil revenue makes it essential that peace be restored quickly,” he noted.
The lawmaker has also sponsored a motion in the House of Representatives calling for national attention to the crisis. This led to relief efforts by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), but Ogene insisted more needs to be done.
“We cannot stop at providing relief materials. We must get to the root of the conflict and ensure a permanent solution,” he concluded.