Abia State Government Issues Directive to White Paper Committee on Okon-Aku Crisis

The Abia State government has officially tasked a specialized committee with the implementation of a white paper regarding the civil unrest in Okon-Aku, Ohafia. As the committee begins its work, state officials have issued a stern directive to ensure that the process remains free from bias, personal interest, or selective application of justice.

Background of the Okon-Aku Crisis

The conflict in Okon-Aku, which began on January 2, 2026, resulted in significant instability within the community. According to reports from the Daily Post Nigeria, the crisis led to the death of a local youth leader, Igwe Akuma. Beyond the loss of life, the unrest caused widespread destruction of residential properties and forced a significant number of residents to flee their homes.

Government Directive on Impartiality

During the inauguration of the committee in Umuahia, the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, addressed the members through his representative, Mrs. Becky Ukechi. The Attorney General underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of the white paper process.

Uwanna explicitly warned committee members against allowing personal sentiments, ethnic considerations, or cultural biases to influence their decisions. He stated that the white paper must serve as a neutral guiding document, emphasizing that recommendations should be implemented in both “letter and spirit” without external interference or unauthorized alterations.

Committee Composition and Objectives

The committee was inaugurated by the Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzo Nwachukwu. Commissioner Nwachukwu noted that the state government had previously reviewed a report from an administrative panel before moving forward with the current white paper initiative.

The committee is comprised of a multi-agency task force, including representatives from:

• The Department of State Security (DSS)
• The Nigeria Police Force
• The Abia State Homeland Security Agency
• The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
• The Office of the Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Security Matters
• The Attorney General of Abia State
• The Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area

The primary mandate of this group is to restore lasting peace to the Okon-Aku community. Commissioner Nwachukwu recalled that the state government previously deployed security agencies to quell the violence, and this committee represents the next phase in the state’s efforts to resolve the underlying issues.

Conclusion

As the committee commences its duties, the focus remains on achieving a fair resolution that addresses the grievances of the community while upholding the rule of law. The state government’s insistence on transparency and impartiality reflects a broader effort to prevent further escalation and ensure that the implementation of the white paper leads to a sustainable peace for the people of Okon-Aku.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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