Odinkalu made the call on Thursday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Justice Commission.
The commission was established by the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in the wake of the insecurity crisis in Anambra State in particular and in the South-East region and was mandated to uncover the truth, provide justice, and promote peace and security.
Speaking during the stakeholders meeting, Odinkalu said the security of lives and properties should be placed on top priority at all times, adding that everyone must be actively involved in the quest for adequate security in the region.
Specifically, Odinkalu explained that the meeting was aimed at creating a platform for open dialogue on ways to restore normalcy and consistency in the South East while acknowledging that peace and stability in the region are paramount to promoting trade and commerce.
He said, “We have serious problems to deal with. The commission will be looking at attacks on public facilities. There is a need to restore peace and normalcy back to the South-East, due to different agitations, human blood is no longer sacred in the South-East as killings have become very rampant and hundreds of people have died in the region.
“That is why this stakeholder engagement is very important and we cannot take it for granted. But particularly, we are looking at certain communities that have been ravaged by insecurity and these include Ukpor, Ihiala, Okija, Orsumoghu, Lilu, Obosi, Umunze, among others.
“Our goal is not to indict anybody or abuse anyone, our goal is to restore the stolen normalcy in the South-East and the enterprise base of Nigeria and in doing so, advance our collective development so that our sons and daughters can return home.”
He, however, appreciated Soludo for his high investment in ensuring security in the state.
On her part, the Secretary of the Commission, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, expressed optimism about the outcomes of the stakeholders’ engagement, noting that the Commission is dedicated to ensuring transparency, impartiality, and inclusivity.
She said, “I am assuring participants that their inputs and suggestions will be duly considered in the development of future policies and programmes.
“The commission was created to restore peace and normalcy in the South-East and heal the wounds caused by agitations from different groups.”
On his part, Soludo, represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, lauded the commission for its commitment to securing a just and peaceful Anambra.
He, therefore, urged Anambrarians to always stand for the truth and work collectively and closely with the security agencies to achieve a high level of security.
In their separate remarks, some stakeholders, including the Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Ikenna Ofodeme, and the National Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene appreciated the commission for its inclusiveness and commitment to ensuring a peaceful and stable environment is achieved.
In her speech, a stakeholder, Mrs. Chika Ibeneme, disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to conduct a prayer rally on June 30 and July 1 to seek the face of God and appease the Igbo youths who lost their lives during the Nigerian/Biafran war genocide of 1967 to 1970.
