By Barth Ozah
The Chairman, Peace and Reconciliation Committee of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Dr. Dominic Nnaemeka Okechukwu, has said settling lingering grievances of some ethnic groups stemming from the Nigerian civil war is the core mandate giving to his committee.
Dr. Okechukwu who stated this when the reconciliation committee paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge at his palace in Asaba, noted that the committee has been engaging with families affected by the war, emphasizing that truth-telling is essential for healing and reconciliation.
Asaba, being one of the affected communities, Okechukwu pointed is a key focus area for the committee’s efforts and that’s the major reason why they visited Asaba Kingdom even as they congratulated HRM Asagba Azinge on his ascension to the throne as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
On his part, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Azinge welcomed Dr. Dominic N. Okechukwu, Chairman of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Peace and Reconciliation Committee, and his delegation to his palace commended their efforts in promoting peace and unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
Azinge reflected on the Asaba Kingdom’s painful experiences during the October 7 massacre emphasizing that the federal government is yet to provide compensation for the brutal killing of innocent Asaba indigenous people.
The monarch paid tribute to the legacy of his predecessor, late Obi Chike Joseph Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, who tirelessly advocated for compensation, including the proposal for the establishment of a Federal University in Asaba reaffirmed his commitment to this cause, stating, “I stand in the same mantle, seeking justice and recognition for our community.”
To underscore the gravity of the massacre, HRM Asagba Azinge assigned Chief Barr. Philip Ejike Nwokolo, Akudo Ahaba to guide Dr. Okechukwu and his team to the site where over a thousand Asaba indigenous people lost their lives.
He highlighted that the monument commemorating this tragic event was erected by the Asaba Development Union, rather than the government, emphasizing that their request for compensation is not excessive.
Culled from: PGSNews
