The smart Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Engr. Dr. Michael Chidiebere Arimanwa FNSE, JP, has bagged the Justice of Peace (JP) award. The award was conferred on him by Government of Imo State today at the Bar Centre, Magistrate Court Complex, Owerri.
Speaking at the epoch-making event, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Imo State, Chief C.O.C Akaolisa congratulated the personalities who were qualified for the investiture. He traced the Justice of Peace investiture as taking roots in England in 1195 where Knights were commissioned to enforce peace in their communities. He charged them to be keepers of peace in their various communities, adding that they should see themselves as lay magistrates who perform all the functions of a magistrate save holding a formal court. The commissioner also enjoined the appointees to be fair, firm and diligent in administering justice to the people. Finally, the commissioner charged the new Justices of the Peace to be of noble character and to shun all local politics.
Delivering a lecture on the roles and responsibilities of Justices of the Peace in Community Policing, the Solicitor-General of Imo State, Barr. C.N. Akobundu defined Community Policing as cooperation aimed at maintaining security at the community levels. He disclosed that a Justice of Peace has the power to sign a wreath of summons to an offender and to grant bail where applicable, urging them not to abuse the position. To this end, he charged the new Justices of the Peace to be instruments of justice in their various communities. He reiterated the fact that the position makes them lay magistrates who could also issue search warrants and adjudicate on minor disputes.
In inaugurating the new Justices of the Peace, the Commissioner for Justice stated that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and security that Imo can thrive as a state. He regretted the acts of insecurity that had pervaded the state, calling on the violent non-state actors to lay down their arms and embrace peace. He finally called all the appointees to strive to maintain peace in their various localities.
Earlier, the smart Rector, Engr. Dr. M.C Arimanwa FNSE, JP, made a prayer where he solicited the grace of the Almighty to guide the new Justices of the Peace to dispense their duties in line with their charge.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, the Rector expressed joy at the conferment. Hear him: “I feel very happy and excited because it is a call to duty. We have been given an assignment to administer justice. And I am willing to undertake this task. We are going to work with the traditional rulers to ensure the dispensing of justice at the community level.”
Asked how he felt receiving two notable awards in less than six days, the polytechnic chief answered thus: “I feel very honoured. For me, I go about doing the best I can in the assignments that come my way. People see these efforts and the only way they can readily show their appreciation is by giving me awards. Since I became Rector, I have received over one hundred awards from reputable local and international organisations.”
