Engr. Seyi Makinde while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch on Tuesday says that he has always been an advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
“Because of my background in business, I have always been a great fan of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In a country like ours, where legal battles are often long and drawn out, business people are interested in settling issues out of court”.
“The ADR is a tidier way to resolve matters. It is in the best interest of all concerned to find alternative yet legal ways of speeding up the process of dispute resolution. So, I can happily identify with the theme of this event, “Future Perfect: Securing Africa’s Ascent On The Global ADR Stage.”
The Governor further commended the Chairman of the Institute for his choice of Ibadan as the place of the Conference, and assured them that his administration will facilitate more collaboration with the Institute.
“Let me commend the organisers of this event, especially Chief J. Akingbola Akinola, C.Arb, Chairman, Chartered Institute Of Arbitrators Nigeria Branch, for bringing this event to Ibadan. We are always happy to welcome visitors here. We hope you enjoy your stay with us and take advantage of this conference to see a little more of our city”
“I read your welcome address, and I am assured that this will indeed be a rich conference. The lineup of panels, sessions and conversations show that Nigeria is indeed ready to take its rightful place in the international Alternative Dispute Resolution stage. Of course, there is a continuous need to inject new thoughts and improve the process of dispute resolution such as arbitration and mediation here”
I look forward to a time where people will think of arbitration first before heading to the courts. We already know that our judicial system is overburdened. The innovative use of the ADR process can reduce the stress on our courts. So that, it is primarily criminal cases that they will adjudicate.
“So, I am pleased to read about the collaborative efforts between the judiciary and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. If there is anything our administration can do to make this collaboration more effective in Oyo State, we will be happy to help.”
The Governor further charges the Institute to offer local solution to issues affecting the patronage, especially as regards the cost and other matters surrounding ADR.
“So let me use this opportunity to challenge the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators to think about issues that affect us here at home. You will agree with me that there are definitely gaps in the dispute resolution process that need to be filled. These issues include the high cost of alternative dispute resolution processes as well as the fact that cases dealt with through ADR may still end up in court. It is time to develop home-grown solutions to these problems. And I am confident with the calibre of people in this room that you will be able to get this done”
Governor Makinde with Executives of the Institute