Written by Commr. John N. Ebi
A concerned Citizen from Aba
The inauguration of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry by the Abia State Government to investigate the deadly crisis in Okon-Aku community is a welcome and commendable step. It reflects a willingness by Governor Dr. Alex Otti to listen to the voices of the people and to respond decisively to a matter that has shaken the conscience of the community.
We therefore commend His Excellency for this intervention and express hope that the panel’s work will provide not only answers, but also justice, healing, and lasting peace. For the people of Okon-Aku, and particularly for the family of the late Mr. Igwe Akuma Akwu, *this process represents perhaps the last institutional opportunity for closure after a tragic and deeply painful loss.
However, the success of this panel will depend entirely on its independence, transparency, and fidelity to truth.
It is important to clearly remind the panel, and the public, *that this is an administrative panel of inquiry, not an executive or political exercise*. As such, no individual—regardless of rank or office—should enjoy preferential treatment, immunity, or undue influence in the course of these proceedings.
The Deputy Governor, who has been mentioned in public allegations relating to the crisis, remains a subject of inquiry like any other individual and must not, directly or indirectly, influence the panel’s work through executive authority, informal directives, or so-called “executive orders.”
Justice, to be credible, must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
In the same vein, we call on both Hon. Ekea Udensi and the Deputy Governor to refrain entirely from engaging the panel—whether privately or publicly—outside formally invited and recorded proceedings. Any attempt by either party to lobby, brief, pressure, or influence members of the panel outside its official sittings would amount to a direct assault on the purpose of the inquiry and a betrayal of the Governor’s stated objective of achieving lasting peace.
The public will be watching this process closely. Civil society actors, community stakeholders, and concerned citizens will monitor the activities of all parties involved, including members of the panel, to ensure strict adherence to due process. Any credible evidence of secret meetings, back-channel communications, or improper engagements with panel members will be documented and brought to public attention, as such actions would undermine not only the inquiry but also the fragile peace of Okon-Aku.
This panel carries a heavy responsibility. Its findings will shape public trust in government, determine whether justice is served, and influence whether Okon-Aku moves toward reconciliation or deeper division. History will judge its work—not by eloquent assurances, but by the courage of its conclusions.
The people of Okon-Aku, and indeed Abia State, await the truth.
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