The Ivy- League & Prestigious IDRI last week in Port harcourt trained Judges, key Staff of the Multi-Door Court House, Chief Registrars, all his Deputies and Sectional Heads of  the  Judiciary  and some Lawyers on capacity  building programme on ADR.

The programme was facilitated  by Prof.  C.  J.  Amasike’s International  Dispute  Resolution to equip them for the duties of their office and the practice of ADR.

The height of the event was the induction of the Governor of River State, Nyesome Wike into IDRI & Establishment of The Multi-Door Court House for Rivers State.

Speaking at the event, the Chief judge of the state, Hon. Justice Chibuzor Amadi said “The commencement  of  the  Multi-Door  Court House is  not  without  huge expenditure as the Centre had undergone some wear and tear since 2017. It was built and for  the  provision  of office furniture and equipment. We thank His Excellency for graciously providing the needed funds for the above expenditure and for the take-off of the Centre.

“We  thank  Professor  C.  J.  Amasike for  his  relentless  immense assistance and encouragement in this project over the past six years.

“For  the sustained  success of the  operation  of  the  Rivers  State Multi-Door Court House, the Judiciary, Lawyers, all ADR Bodies/Practitioners and other stakeholders of justice delivery must play their roles under the law.

“It is impossible to avoid disputes in commercial ventures.  Investors are  more  concerned  about  dispute  resolution  mechanism  put  in  place  to quickly   resolve  disputes   that   may  arise   in   the   course   of   business transactions between disputants.

Extreme left the Attorney General, Prof Amasike, the Gov of Rivers State in white dress with red cap, the CJ Rivers State & the lady- Deputy Gov.Extreme left is the Attorney General of Rivers State, my humble self- the Chairman IDRI, the Gov. of Rivers State in white dress with red cap, the CJ Rivers State & the lady- Deputy Gov of Rivers State after the inauguration of the Rivers State Multi-Door Court House , in a magnificent edifice (building), which the ivy-league & mega firm- IDRI, established for Rivers State .

On his part, the Chairman International Dispute Resolution Institute ( Member Institute of The United Nations UNCITRAL), Prof. Amasike while thanking the Rivers State Governor, gave a detailed account of their journey since 2016.

According to him “From my experience as a UN Consultant in establishing Multi-Door Court Houses both in Nigeria and other African countries, it is imperative that all the Judges and Magistrates support it and refer cases to the Centre. It is similarly  important   that   lawyers   practicing   especially   within   the jurisdiction  should  see  the  huge  benefits  of  using  the  Centre.  It  may perhaps be necessary to remind Judges and Lawyers that the CJN had as far back as 26th  May, 2017 issued a directive – Ref. No. CJN/P.D./Vol.

1./001, and Ref. No. NJI/CJI/CON/IV [see attached] to the courts to ensure that they do not assume jurisdiction on contracts with arbitration clauses but rather refer them to arbitration and I wish to quickly add that the Rivers State Multi-Door Court House is now operational and equipped to handle them effectively.

“It is also very necessary to remind Judges and Lawyers of the provisions of Section 15(3) (d) of the Legal Practioners‟ Rules of Professional Conduct 2007, which states:

“In his representation of his Client, a lawyer shall not fail or neglect to inform his client of the option of alternative dispute resolution mechanism before resorting to or continuing litigation on behalf of his client”

“It is therefore mandatory for lawyers to comply with this, failing which there should be sanctions – see Dunnet V. Railtrack Plc – English case [2002] 2 ALL E.R. p.850; and [2002] 1. WLR p.2434.

“It is also very important that there is good publicity of the services of the Centre in the state and even beyond. Rivers State is endowed with lots of blue chip companies and I have no doubt that if they are made aware of the existence of the Centre they would like to use it in the management and resolution of their disputes whether with their host communities or employees, etc., as they would be assured of a fast-track resolution of matters and in a friendly manner” he said.