Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday, passed into law a bill to establish the Anambra State Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency 2024 and other related matters.
The bill was passed following a motion read for the third time by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, following extensive legislative process.
The bill aims to foster peace and manage conflicts within the state by aligning with the Governor’s broader agenda of infrastructure, economic transformation, security, and social cohesion.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, highlighted the importance of the bill and said it would play a crucial role in preventing conflicts in the state.
He read the bill for the third time and it was passed following an unanimous voice vote support from the lawmakers.
Resolving communal/ family conflicts
Speaking shortly after the plenary, the sponsor of the bill and member representing Njikoka Constituency Two, Dr. Jude Akpua, said the bill is of paramount importance in resolving conflicts in families, communities and all aspects of human life. He also gave reasons why he initiated the bill.
“Last year I discovered that there where too many conflict in the villages, organizations, communities and families which have ended in courts and police stations in Anambra State.
“I had to initiate this peace and conflict resolution bill because there is need for peace and development does not thrive without peace.
“Communities are having boundary issues, families are having problems thats why this bill is apt because it will also tackle land grabbing amongst others. All these problems can be settled without going to court.
“Anambra people need orientation and re-orientation. People are jam-packed and lavishing in cell. There will be less litigation in court and inmates in prison because of this law.
“The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is a peace maker and I know that this bill will get his approval soon and will be implemented,” Akpua concluded.
Dr. Akpua who is also the Deputy Majority Leader of the house, said that the agency will establish a broad mandate to promote peace and resolve conflicts through proactive measures, such as identification of potential sources of conflict, mediation and negotiation efforts, and the implementation of peace building initiatives across various communities in Anambra State.
The bill will come into force immediately it is assented to by the Governor.
Emmanuel Ukoh
