I’ll use my status as JP to ensure peace in Niger Delta, says Tony Afejuku

Renowned poet and University of Benin (UNIBEN) lecturer, Prof. Tony Afejuku, has promised to use his new position as a Justice of Peace (JP) to bring peace to the crisis-torn Niger Delta communities and Nigeria in general.

Afejuku, a writer, radical activist, peace lover and columnist, who was among the 234 JPs recently appointed by the Delta State chief judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro, said his stand for truth and justice was the reason Governor Ifeanyi Okowa considered him suitable and appointed him a JP.

The Itsekiri-born teacher, who spoke with journalists shortly after he was sworn in, said he seeks for justice at all times, which stands him out amongst others, but added that the JPship will not in anyway shut him out of the critics club he belonged to for years.

“I will still be a radical activist because there is so much to be done,” he said. He dedicated the honour to his students, family, pen pushers, fellow writers and critics.

Afejuku admitted that many people thought he would not accept the appointment but did because it is something that has to do with truth, peace and mankind.“It is always delightful for anyone to believe in you in the state of the nation, believed in one who always stand on behalf of the people, on behalf of the community and on behalf of mankind. The good thing I have been doing over the years has been given a stand by the acceptance and approval of my JPship by the Delta State government. This is because if you follow my activities and activism, I have always been a known person, always not partisan and am sure they know where I am coming from and where I stand for, which is truth, justice and peace.”