Governor suggests use of alternative dispute resolution for electoral issues

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers state  has suggested the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution  (ADR) in settlement  of  political conflicts after major elections in the country.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, said the governor made the suggestion when the executive members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, paid him a courtesy call in Port Harcourt.

Wike noted  that  ADR would reduce bickering, time and funds spent on cases at the election tribunals, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

“We as politicians have been discussing  on how we can introduce  Alternative Dispute Resolution in the settlement of election matters without  going to the tribunals .

“The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators  can play a role in the introduction  of  ADR  to election  dispute.

“It will reduce bickering , it will  reduce cost and time spent at the tribunal, Court of Appeal  and the Supreme Court.  In other words, there will  be more time for governance,” the governor said.

According to Wike, it is a major  issue that  we should put our heads together to see how it will be possible to introduce election  matters as issues to be resolved through ADR.

The governor also used the opportunity to restate that Rivers was safe for investments and tourism.

“The state in the last four months has played host to Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Bar Association , Rotary International  and the West African Architects Fair.

“Check the crime index in the country, that of Rivers state is quite low. It is lower than other major states,” he said.

Wike commended the Nigeria Institute of Arbitrators  for bringing its conference to Rivers State .

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local  Organising Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators ,Mrs Mmainnaya Essien (SAN), said that the institute  chose the state because it was safe and had modern amenities to host international events.

Essien said that Rivers state would be promoted  as a major destination  for  Alternative Dispute Resolution in the country  on the same standing with Lagos and Abuja.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators conference  will hold between Nov. 10 and Nov.11, 2016, in Port Harcourt.