Another feather has been added to the cap of the Omekoku of Otolokpo who also doubles as the Esama of Igbanke, Chief Jude Opia Ogbekile following his swearing in as a Justice of the Peace.
The swearing in ceremony saw over 200 appointees including Chief Ogbekile, Chairman, Ika Village Square, 17 other Ika people, House of Assembly members, Board Directors, Permanent Secretaries, non Deltans, clergy men, Local Government Chairmen and traditional rulers were sworn in by the chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Marshal Umukoro on Thursday 20th September 2018 at Asaba.
Congratulating the Justices’ of peace for being selected out of the many that applied for it, the state President, Association of Justices of Peace, Delta State, Chief Paul Okpor welcomed the new members to the association, urging them to perform their functions effectively.
Giving his inaugural lecture on the duties of a justice of the peace, Mr. Erevbe Omamozue stated that only noble men of repute, with integrity, and peace builders who are loved by the community are appointed as JP. He disclosed that by virtue of their appointment, they are now likened to judicial officers, urging them to carry themselves in such manner.
He noted that the primary function of a JP is to build and maintain peace around them, act in public interest, carry out their functions without fear or favour. He posited that the office comes with tasks saying that they can act as judges in areas where there are none, by virtue of the power conferred on them by virtue of the appointment. While charging them to avoid conflict of interest in the discharge of their duties, he stated that their office is not to promote personal gain. He congratulated the recipients for being appointed, out of the many who applied for it.
In his address, the Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Peter Mrakpor Esq. stated that their appointment is a responsibility and call to service. He noted that it is a part of the peace building process set in place by the state government all over the local government to ensure that the Smart agenda is properly carried out all over the state. He charged the JP’s to live up to their responsibilities.
Expressing his delight at the appointment. Chief Ogbekile averred that he has been a peace maker, who loves to ensure that peace reigns at all times. He appreciated God for the appointment, saying that power comes from God.
He disclosed that the appointment will help him enhance peace building in Ika land, urging all Ika people to live as one. He noted that he believes in oneness of a people in order to sustain the peace in Ika kingdom. Present at the reception to celebrate with Chief Ogbekile were; the Obi of Otolokpo, HRM, Collins A. Ezenweali I, and HRM, Chukwuma Jikeme I, Obi of Ute-Ogbeje Business tycoons, colleagues, youths, friends and family.