By Magnus Effiong
In line with the Cross River State government’s directives, the Palace of the Obong of Calabar has constituted 7-man independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee to reconcile and make peace with the contender in the succession tussle, Etubom Anthony Ani so as to bring the 15 years dispute to a permanent end.
Recall that the State government had, last month formally recognized His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V as the Obong of Calabar, and advised the Palace to do everything within its powers to reconcile with Etubom Ani and his group so as to save the throne from further disgrace by reason of the lingering feud.
Headed by a former Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Michael Edem Rtd, the Committee also has as members former deputy governor of the State, Mr. Effiok Cobham, a renowned Statesman High Chief Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, former Commissioner Rosemary Archibong and former AIG Ene Okon.
Two clergymen, Reverend Ubong E. Eyo (a serving Reverend of the Presbyterian Church) and Reverend Father Emmanuel Orok Duke, a serving Reverend Father of the Catholic Church were also brought in to join the panel.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Etubom Traditional Council in the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, HRH Etinyin Ekpo O. Archibong and made available to Blueprint in Calabar, Thursday, the Palace said the Committee had as terms of reference, establishing truth and facilitating reconciliation.
According to the Statement, the committee would “operate independently, impartially and with the utmost integrity, respecting the culture and traditions of the Efik people.”
Speaking shortly after accepting the assignment, the Chairman of the committee, Justice Edem said they were out to restore peace and brotherliness which, he noted, had been so much torn apart due to the dispute.
“I accepted this task because never in the history of the throne has so much strife been recorded like this one. By the calibre of members of the committee, there is no doubt that we can easily subdue the task. We are determined to do it because history is beckoning,” he stated.
The Committee Chairman added that his panel would work the issue of timeframe for the assignment out since they would leverage on the window of independence, and therefore called on all Efik sons and daughters to give peace a chance.
