MEMBERS of the Association of Justices of Peace in Ughelli North and South Local Government Areas of Delta, have sworn in Comrade Blessing Egbagbara as it’s chairman for a tenure of two years with a charge to uphold the standard of the association.
Comrade Egbagbara who took over the mantle of leadership from Sir James Atie, was sworn alongside, Chief Collins Ezewu as vice, Chief Egagah Samson as Secretary, Comr. Mrs. Agbroko Stella Assistant Sec, and Chief Ejovwoke Esike as Treasurer.
Others include, Mr Durie Friday Financial Sec, Comr John Ariama as PRO, Chief Mrs Omosevwerha Benedicta as Social Welfare, Chief Dr. Gabriel Utobor as Provost, while Legal Adviser is Chief Isaac Edjobegue (rtd).
In his acceptance speech, Comr Blessing Egbagbara said, “As I stand before you all today, I accept this honour of serving as the 6th chairman of the Association of the Justices of Peace, AJP, Ughelli North and South chapter.
According to him, “My acceptance speech should be used against me even as pray not to derail or deviate from the tenent of the association that is founded in fairness and sanctity of peace.
“As justice of the Peace, we must rise above personal interest, ethnic divisions and partisan pleasures, we must be guided by moral clarity, ethical discipline and respect for due process.
“The authority of our office derives not from power but from character not from position, but from public trust and any erosions of ethics within our ranks weakens the institutions and undermines community peace.
“In Ughelli North and South local government areas, where grassroots governance meets the daily realities of our people, the Justice of the Peace is supposed to occupy a very strategic position as they are often supposed to be the first line to respond to community disputes, calming tensions and restoring orders through lawful and ethical.
“We are to operate at the intersection of the law, morality and the local government, when the association is supported to perform her roles effectively.
“As chairman of the Ughelli North and South Chapters of the Association, my leadership will be guided by four principles which includes unity among members, Capacity building, Community impact and membership drive.
“We will strengthen co-operation among members, promote continuous training and professionally develop our members through monthly lectures and seminars, most especially at this period of our inclusion into the police stations across the catchment mandates area of the chapters and the state as witnesses under the Delta State administration of criminal justice.
“This administration will work with the Delta State Government through the Delta Central Senatorial district and the state chapter, the two local government areas of Ughelli North and South, traditional rulers, security agents, non-governmental organizations and other critical stakeholders to ensure structured collaboration. capacity building, institutional recognition and limitation of the Justices of the Peace are clearly understood and properly respected.
“This administration will prioritized preventive justice, community mediation, alternative dispute resolution peaceful communities are the bed rock and foundation of development and justice administered with fairness is the backbone of peace.” Comrade Egbagbara vowed.
Comrade Blessing Egbagbara and others were administered the oath of office by Prof Mrs Gloria Adebiyi at the palace of the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
