The Umunneochi Local Government Area Mediation Panel has been inaugurated with Magistrate Onuobia Michael Okogbue as Chairman and Barrister Iroabuchi Obi as the Legal Officer.
Other Members are: Hon Uchechukwu Orji, Mr Emeka Eze – Complaint Unit Officer; Mr Okwuegbule Chieki Iro – Admin Officer; while Eze Prof S.I Nwankwo and Eze Engineer Monday Ajaegbo, represent Traditional Rulers in the panel.
Addressing the Members shortly after he Inaugurated them at the conference hall of the Council, Mayor Afurobi, explained that they were chosen to serve the Mediation Panel based on their individual merits and quality track records and encouraged them to ensure they dispense justice that will save individuals, families, communities, and the local government, from court and other forms of prolonged litigations.
He noted that Several petitions have been written to the government at both the state and local government levels on civil issues that could be handled outside the courts, and expressed confidence that with sincere service, the panel could achieve total reconciliation, restore family peace as well as save cost.
The Mayor stated assured that he will provide the team with the needed logistics support and other necessary tools that will enable them to perform their duties.
He Chief Afurobi therefore called on the people of Umunneochi to make judicious use of the opportunity offered by the Mediation Panel, to settle their individual or group differences to achieve harmonious, and peaceful coexistence, which is government’s ultimate aim of setting up of the Mediation Panel.
He further directed those who have any issues of concern to bring their petitions or grievances to the panel at their office inside the council headquarters, Nkwoagu, adding that the Panel would sit only on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Chief Afurobi used the forum to commend Governor Alex Otti, for coming up with such innovative ideas and described him as a man of good conscience, who is always interested in the well being of all.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of others, the Chairman of the mediation panel, Magistrate Onuobia Michael Okogbue, thanked both the state and local governments, for giving them the opportunity to contribute their quota in entrenching peace and justice.
He assured that they will work diligently and apply their wealth of experience and work assiduously to achieve sustainable and timely results.
Magistrate Okogbue outlined some of their areas of mediation coverage to include civil matters such as disagreement over Ezeship and Chieftaincy matters, minor land boundary disputes, involving Individuals, families, communities, adding that the criminal matters are excluded from their responsibilities.
