By Aaior K. Comfort
Afam Ogene, the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has praised Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for establishing a commission of inquiry to address the ongoing Ogwuaniocha crisis in Ogbaru Local Government Area. This initiative comes in response to the displacement of over 5,000 residents due to the activities of criminal gangs that have plagued the community since 2021.
The communal conflict has also resulted in significant violence, including the abduction of the traditional ruler in November 2021. Ogene has consistently urged the state government to take decisive action to resolve the conflict, and he reiterated his support for the newly formed commission in a statement issued from Awka, the state capital.
He remarked, “The commission of inquiry has the potential to reduce incidents of violent crimes and other criminalities in Ogbaru and Anambra State in general.” Ogene called on all stakeholders to embrace this development and work towards sustainable reconciliation for the peace and development of Ogwuaniocha and the broader Ogbaruland.
The panel, inaugurated on October 4, 2024, consists of 13 members, including retired Justice C.E.K Anigbogu as Chairman and Prof. Felicia Anyogu as Secretary. Other members include Patricia Igwebuike, General Laz Iloh (Retd.), Monsignor Theo Odukwe, Ven. Dr. Chinedu Nnatunya, Prof. Ikenna Alumona, Benjamin Uzoka, Chief Emma Obi, HRH Victor Awogu, Prof. Ikem Ivite Nwadigwe, Comrade Emeka Okoye-Ozo, and Prof. Charles Ofoegbu.
According to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, the Commission has requested memoranda from interested parties to aid in its inquiry and facilitate reconciliation in the Ogwuaniocha community. Oral evidence will also be entertained once the panel begins its sessions following the collation of memoranda.
Ogene, who leads the state caucus in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on Renewable Energy, previously wrote to Governor Soludo in February and April of this year, urging for the establishment of a panel of inquiry to address the violent conflict. His letters highlighted the urgent need for government intervention, citing the community’s economic significance as an oil-producing area contributing over 20,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
Ogene’s advocacy also included sponsoring a motion in the House of Representatives, drawing national attention to the devastation in Ogwuaniocha and the dire living conditions of displaced residents, which ultimately resulted in the government providing relief materials through the National Emergency Management Agency.