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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Plateau State Multi-Door Courthouse (PMDC) has organized one-day orientation training for members of the body of neutrals in an attempt to boost Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
The primary objective of the programme, according to PMDC), is to provide a comprehensive orientation for members of the body of neutrals on the essential roles they play in the ADR spectrum, the application of ADR in the administration of criminal justice, and the importance of continuous learning in the field.
The body of neutrals is often impartial third parties, who facilitate negotiations between parties to help them reach a settlement of their disputes. Also, they structure the negotiation process to ensure that all parties come to an amicable resolution of issues in dispute.
Speaking at the event held at the High Court of Justice conference hall in Jos the Plateau State capital, the Hon. Chief Judge of the Plateau State High Court of Justice, Hon. Justice David Mann, said the PMDC was established by a law promulgated in 2017, and the council was inaugurated by the then Chief Judge, Hon Justice Yakubu Yandakwa on 31 July, 2019.
He said the PMDC was an avenue for alternative dispute resolution through mediation, conciliation arbitration and negotiation, and that the advantages of these mechanisms could quicken the resolution of disputes in a cost-effective way.
The Chief Judge stressed that investors can take advantage of these dispute resolution mechanisms to enhance a conducive environment for business to thrive.
“My sincere appreciation goes out to the chairman of the council, Hon. Justice Chrysanthus Senlong (rtd) for steering the affairs of the PMDC towards this epoch-making event, and the stakeholders also.
“Today marks yet another milestone in the history of justice administration and delivery in Plateau State with the official opening of this one-day orientation programme design to refresh the memories of neutrals and other stakeholders.
“I wish to call on the body of neutrals to use their skills, passion and different initiatives to enlarge and create the energy we need to achieve our individual as well as group goals, “ he said.
In his earlier remarks, the PMDC council chairman, Hon. Chrysanthus Senlong, said the refresher course was vital for all the approved neutrals who will be acting as mediators, arbitrators, negotiators, among others, on behalf of the Plateau Multi Door Courthouse.
“The Plateau State Multi-Door Courthouse was established principally as an alternative dispute resolution center, and this has been on the drawing board for eight years, and we thank God that today it has become a reality.
“I would like to specifically request the neutrals to take their assignments seriously because as you are all aware, the purpose of the alternative dispute resolution center is to bring justice closer to the people, to settle disputes amicably among the people and forge peaceful coexistence among the people,” he said.
He expressed his hope that in the years to come the neutrals will make them proud by living up to their expectations.
Highlights of the orientation programme include technical sessions, presentations, and questions and answers.
