The seven-man Administrative Panel of Enquiry set up by Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, to look into last year’s crisis in Obosi Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state has submitted its report.
According to the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Chike Nwizu (rtd), the panel carried out its sitting under intense pressure in 28 sittings, as against 17 sittings designated to it aside other private sittings.
He also said that 17 witnesses testified while 268 written evidences were tendered.
The Governor, satisfied with the performance of the Panel, gave them another assignment to look into Abanaga versus Ukpo and Enugwukwu crisis.
The Administrative Panel of Enquiry into Obosi Crisis commenced sitting immediately after the inauguration on October 26, 2015.
They were asked to determine the immediate and remote causes of the dispute, disturbances and discord within the community, determine the parties to the dispute, ascertain the causes of the problem between the Traditional ruler and the President General.
Part of their objective was also to determine the roles and impact of law enforcement and Security Agencies in addressing the issues and to make recommendations to the state government on remedial measures to the crisis.
It was a tensed period for the panel members drawn from the judiciary, civil service, security and the church to ensure credible and effective investigation.
During the 28 days sitting period, witnesses ranging from the traditional ruler of Obosi, to the President General and other prominent sons of Obosi were subjected to thorough grilling by various lawyers and the panel members.
The major issues bringing discord in the community are land disputes, contention in the traditional stool of Obosi kingdom and other leadership issues.
At the completion of the exercise, the panel came back to the Governor to submit their report which came in three volumes comprising the record of the proceedings, the number of exhibits tendered, the report and the recommendations of the panel.
The Governor, receiving the report, commended the panel members and expressed hopes that the recommendations would permanently address the crisis in the community.
Governor Obiano again re-commissioned the panel to immediately look into the raging land crisis between Abagana, Ukpo and Enugwukwu communities, having considered them competent.