Edo Govt Confers Justice Of Peace (JP) On 79 Persons

By Simeon OSAJIE

 

No fewer than seventy nine persons have been conferred with Justice of Peace title by Edo State Government.

Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the State, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, at the swearing in ceremony, State High Court 1 said the recipients are co-partners in the  promotion of peace in the face of growing conflicts in the society.

Governor Obaseki charged the appointees to go about their functions and duties diligently.

 The Governor said the yearly ceremony is devoid of any political correlation. "This is what we have been doing, we have been working season in and season out doing that. We did not suddenly start now. I will say it is the way we behave."

Chief Justice of the State, Hon. Justice E A. Edigin while congratulating the awardees said they have distinguished themselves in their careers and society before they were found worthy.

Justice Edigin said far beyond the glits and glamour associated with the prefix of 'JP' the recipients do not posses adjudicatory powers and cannot conduct trials to hear and determine cases.

"Your duties are basically to ensure peace and order in the society within the purview of enabling laws and your instrument of appointment."

She equally warned against abuse of their new status and powers. "In doing so, your enormous powers must not be abused in any way so as not to stand the risk of revocation of your appointment and withdrawal of your certificate by the state government arising from any adverse report made and established against you."

Justice S. O. Uwigbe, in her keynote address, tagged "The Justice of the Peace: Roles, Challenges and the way forward"  called for a review of the existing  law to enable the appoinment of Justice  of Peace relevant in the face of present challenges.

She also advocated for commumity participation and consultations in persons to be nominated and appointed as Justice of Peace.

Justice Uwigbe who noted holders of the title found it difficult  to function in full capacity due to lack of awareness and public sensitization, implored the Ministry of Justice to organised an annual or bi-annual workshop to update appointess knowledge and  their functions.