Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN, has said that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is very crucial to the dispensation of justice in the country.

He stated this in Asaba at the inauguration ceremony of the Governing Council of the Multi-Door Courthouse.

According to the Deputy Governor, the need to formalise the ADR has long been felt, perhaps as far back as 10 or 12 years ago. “Today, I am very happy that the enthusiasm the subject matter has generated led to the passage of the Delta Multi-Room Court House Law of 2012 and we are here to inaugurate this very important body to complement the efforts of our courts in Delta State,” he said.

Utuama went on to list many advantages of the ADR strategy to include speedy resolution of disputes, cheaper to access, less cumbersome and makes it easy for people to relate to than the formal court processes.

“It is more affordable, there is confidentiality and it is flexible and quickens the administration of justice. Thus, ADR will no doubt help us in a great deal in decongesting our courts as matters can easily be dealt with. It can also help in attracting foreign investment as investors are always looking for places where dispute resolutions are quick and cheaper,” he stated.

Responding, Chairman of the Council, who is also the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Z. Abiodun Smith, thanked the state government for taking the bold step in establishing it. He pledged the readiness of the members to work in a way to justify the confidence reposed in them. He however asked the state government to provide essential infrastructure that will make their job exciting and smooth. Mrs Isioma Ochei will serve as the Secretary of the 10 member council.

•Photo shows Prof. Utuama.