The Truth Commission, according to the Anambra government, will seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, for the healing of the victims of the violence, accounting for the responsibility and accountability of the actors
By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The efforts to tone down the agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have received a boost with the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, appointing a 15- member Truth, Justice and Peace Commission.
The committee is headed by human rights activist, Prof Chidi Odinkalu with Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as Secretary
A statement on Wednesday by Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, named other members of the committee as Mr Charles Oputa (Charley Boy); music icon Onyeka Onwenu; Dr Joe Nwaorgu; Dr Udenta Udenta; Dr Uju Agomoh; Rev. Fr (Mongsinor); Jerome Madueke and Canon Dr Okechukwu C. Obi-Okoye.
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Others are: Dr. John Out; Mr. Ngozi Odumuko; Dr. Joe Abah, Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu; Mr. Sam Egwuatu and Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.
The committee, the statement explained, will seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, for the healing of the victims of the violence, accounting for responsibility and accountability of the actors, conditional mercy for the repentant perpetrators, restitution for certain losses and rehabilitation of the perpetrators, for the overall aim of restoration of peace and justice as well as the promotion of development in the State, and the region/Nigeria.
It has a six-month timeline to conclude the assignment from the date of inauguration.
In 2016, Former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, explained the relevance of a Truth Commission in peacebuilding. He said:
“Truth-seeking and reconciliation have now become an accepted, if not universal, feature of the architecture of post-conflict peacebuilding. The number of truth commissions has grown rapidly. And Africa is the continent where the most truth commissions have been established: over 18 to date, including South Africa’s landmark Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“But, as with all conventional practices, from time to time one should pause for reflection to ensure that those practices remain relevant and effective. Sharing, discussing and reflecting on the experiences gained on truth-seeking and peace processes is, therefore, the aim of this conference.”
