Imo Government Strengthens Justice System, Confers Chidi Ogwuegbu, Others Justice of Peace Titles
By Anselem Anokwute
The Imo State Government has expanded its alternative dispute-resolution mechanism with the conferment and inauguration of new Justice of Peace (JP) awardees aimed at enhancing grassroots peace building across the state on December 10, 2025 at Rock View Hotel Owerri.
The ceremony, supervised by the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, saw, Comrade Prince Chidi Ogwuegbu, and several others honoured as Justices of Peace in recognition of their integrity and commitment to community harmony.
Comrade Ogwuegbu, an alumnus of Government College, Umuahia, and an executive member of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), currently serving in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, expressed profound appreciation to Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for the confidence reposed in the newly inducted members.
He described the honour as a significant milestone that will further enable him to champion peacebuilding efforts within his community, the council area, and the state at large. According to him, “Peace remains the only true foundation for development and prosperity.”
The Ihite-Uboma-born technocrat explained that the JP appointment offers him the platform to mediate disputes that would ordinarily linger in court, thereby promoting faster, community-based reconciliation and justice.
Ogwuegbu commended the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Paul Obinatu, for what he described as his “magnanimity, pragmatism and transparent leadership”, since assuming office. He praised the seamless screening and inauguration process, noting that the “DSS conducted thorough background checks” on all nominees before approval.
“As a Justice of Peace, I pledge to serve as a beacon of hope and integrity. I will tirelessly promote peace, resolve conflicts, and ensure that justice is administered without fear or favour. I understand the vital role this office plays in community development and in strengthening trust between the government and the people,” he stated.
He extended gratitude to traditional rulers, family members, journalists, colleagues, and friends who joined him at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri, for the ceremony, assuring them that he would not disappoint.
Earlier, the Attorney-General, Barr. Obinatu, expressed joy over what he described as the first major JP inauguration exercise under his tenure. He expressed confidence that the new appointees would uphold the ideals of justice and work in alignment with the state government’s commitment to promoting lasting peace across all communities in Imo State.
