By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Former presidential aide and legal practitioner, Okoi Obono-Obla, has urged the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Cross River State Government to investigate the Ugep-Idomi communal clash to chart a permanent path to reconciliation and lasting peace.
Governor Bassey Otu had constituted the commission to investigate the crisis between the two neighbouring communities in Yakurr Local Government Area.
The commission is chaired by retired Justice Obojor Ogar, with Peter Bassey, Esq., and Takon Takon, Esq., as members, while Justina Ogban, Esq., serves as Counsel/Secretary. It has three weeks to complete its assignment.
The Ugep-Idomi crisis has heightened tensions between the communities, which share Yakurr ancestry, with the conflict reportedly resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement.
The commission is expected to establish the immediate and remote causes of the crisis, determine the extent of casualties and property losses, and identify persons or groups found to have contributed to the conflict.
It is also expected to make recommendations aimed at reconciliation, peace-building and preventing a recurrence of the crisis.
Reacting to the constitution of the commission, Obono-Obla commended Governor Otu for what he described as a “welcome and timely intervention.”
He said the judicial inquiry would provide a credible and legally grounded process for uncovering the facts surrounding the conflict and addressing its underlying causes.
Obono-Obla urged traditional rulers, youth and religious leaders, political actors and other stakeholders in Yakurr to cooperate fully with the commission.
He said Ugep and Idomi were “brotherly communities” bound by history, culture and ancestry, stressing that the inquiry should ultimately help heal wounds and chart a permanent path to reconciliation, peace and development.
