By Ambrose Ologide
The Chairman Agbarha Warri Regency Council, High Chief Willie Atebefia Digbori (JP ) has advocated for judicial roles for justices of the peace in Delta State.
He made the call in an address during the condolence visit of members of Association of Justices of Peace , Warri South Local Government Area Chapter on the transition of HRM London Aforkerhi Itu ( JP )Ememoh 11 at the Agbarha Warri Regency Hall Igbudu Community on Tuesday 16th May , 2023.
Digbori reasoned that justices of the peace ought to be given the role of low judicial officers saddle with the responsibilities of signing bail bonds for arrested persons without stress, settling of disputes among other judicial functions.
He however lamented that appointment of a justice of the peace was just ceremonial and that there was no judicial functions attached to it in Delta State.
Digbori who disclosed that the departed traditional ruler HRM Ememoh 11 ( JP ) , late Otota of Agbarha Warri Kingdom, High Chief Moses Agbogidi ( JP ) and himself were appointed justices of peace on 26th March, 2002 , strongly advised that justices of peace should see themselves as Ambassadors and crusaders of peace wherever they are and that they should be their brothers keepers.
He had earlier appreciated members of the association in Warri South Local Government Area for the visit.
The secretary of the association in Warri South Local Government Area, Elder Charles Okotie ( JP) had on behalf of the chairman, Chief Sir P D Yalaju ( JP ) read a condolence letter of Justices of Peace Warri South Local Government Area Chapter on the transition of the traditional ruler.
It was stated among other things in the letter that HRM Ememoh 11 ( JP ) was a great king who impacted positively on Agbarha Warri Kingdom and beyond.
The Delta State Vice Chairman of the association Chief Victor Okumagba
( JP ) who also spoke , promised that the association in Warri South Local Government Area will contribute its quota in the rites of passage of the respected Agbarha Warri monarch.
