Wike suggests use of Alternative Dispute Resolution for electoral disputes

Gov. Nysome Wike of Rivers 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 resources expended 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 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 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 in Port Harcourt.