By Karen James
In a bid to foster peace and manage conflicts within Anambra State, the Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the bill to establish the Anambra State Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency 2024 and Other Related Matters. This groundbreaking move comes as part of the governor’s agenda for infrastructure, economic transformation, security, and social cohesion.
The bill, which was read for the third time during plenary on May 21, received unanimous support from lawmakers. It is now awaiting the governor’s assent to come into immediate effect.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, emphasised the significance of the bill, stating that it will play a critical role in preventing conflicts in the state. The sponsor of the bill, Hon. Jude Akpua, representing Njikoka 11 Constituency, echoed this sentiment, expressing his happiness that the bill addresses conflicts in families, communities, and all aspects of human life.
Hon. Akpua, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, outlined the agency’s broad mandate. This includes identifying potential sources of conflicts, conducting mediation and negotiation efforts, and implementing peace-building initiatives across various communities in Anambra State.
“I am happy today that the bill was read a third time and passed into law on the floor of the House. And in the next one month, after it must be assented to by the governor, it will be made into use,” Hon. Akpua stated. “This bill covers every aspect of human life. Today, communities have issues like land issues, families having problems, and this bill will cover a lot of problems in Anambra State. It will cover issues like land grabbing, family issues that will be settled on the round table.”
With the establishment of the Ndi Anambra State Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency, the state is taking a proactive approach to preventing conflicts, promoting peace, and creating a harmonious environment for its residents. This move is expected to reduce litigation in court and the number of inmates in prison, as conflicts will be resolved through peaceful means.
As the bill awaits the governor’s assent, the people of Ndi Anambra State can look forward to a more peaceful and conflict-free future.
