The Umunneochi Local Government of Abia State, has taken a decisive step toward strengthening community harmony with the inauguration of its Mediation Panel.
The panel, chaired by Magistrate Onuobia Michael Okogbue, includes Barr Iroabuchi Obi as Legal Officer, Hon. Uchechukwu Orji as Member, Mr. Emeka Eze as Complaint Unit Officer, Mr. Okwuegbule Chieki Iro as Admin Officer, alongside respected traditional rulers, Eze Prof. S.I. Nwankwo and Eze Engr. Monday Ajaegbo.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in the Council’s conference hall, Umunneochi Mayor, Chief Sunny Afurobi emphasized the importance of the panel in reducing costly and prolonged litigations.
He congratulated the members, noting that their selection was based on “individual merits and quality track records,” and urged them to “live above board by ensuring they dispense justice in upright ways.”
Chief Afurobi highlighted the growing number of petitions submitted to both state and local governments on civil matters that could be resolved outside the courts.
He expressed confidence that the panel’s work would “guarantee total reconciliation, amend bruised faces, restore family peace, save cost, so that people will live in one accord in love.”
The Mayor assured that logistics and necessary tools would be provided to enable the panel to function effectively, adding that sittings will be held every Tuesday and Friday at the council headquarters in Nkwoagu.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of the panel to resolve disputes amicably, stressing that “harmonious and peaceful coexistence is the ultimate aim of government, hence, the setting up of the Mediation Panel.”
Chief Afurobi also commended Governor Alex Otti for initiating the mediation framework, describing him as “a man of good conscience, who is always interested in the well-being of all.”
In his acceptance speech, Panel Chairman, Magistrate Onuobia Michael Okogbue, speaking on behalf of the members, expressed gratitude to both the state and local governments for the opportunity to serve.
He pledged that the panel would “work diligently and apply their wealth of experiences and work assiduously with the fear of God, to achieve sustainable results.”
Okogbue outlined the scope of the panel’s work, clarifying that it will focus on civil matters such as disagreements over Ezeship and Chieftaincy titles, minor land boundary disputes, and other non-criminal issues involving individuals, families, and communities.
He assured timely and fair justice delivery, reinforcing the panel’s commitment to entrenching peace and justice in Umunneochi.
