Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Multi-Door CourtHouse (ESMDC) has held a workshop for Ogbete Market traders on the need to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as the best way to settle disputes.
The Workshop took place inside the Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMTA) with the theme, “Nabata Udo.”
In her opening remarks, the Director ESMDC, Mrs Caroline Nene Etuk, said that the CourtHouse came into existence in 2018 under Former Chief Judge, Precilia Emehelu.
She said the programme offers a variety of ADR processes with the mission of providing speedy, cost-effective and user-friendly access to justice through ADR mechanism.
The Director said that the vision of the CourtHouse is to become the Hub of the Region and runs its process through mediation which saves cost and time.
“We are here to sell our commodity which is peace and we are interested in teaching the OMMTA Caretaker Committee that handle cases on the modern means to Dispute Resolution.
“ESMDC wants to raise the profile of the traders committee and that means giving them six days training and working in collaboration with them,” she said.
Mr Osita Okwor the Central Registrar of ESMDC said the process was easy, less in cost, and advised the traders to use the Multi-Door means in settling their problems.
Explaining the process of filling matters before the CourtHouse, Okwor said the applicant have to file a form to initiate a case against the other person.
In another aspect, a judge or justice may transfer a case which he or she sees to be better solved through Dispute Resolution to the Multi-Door CourtHouse.
He noted that the persons involved in a case play major role and have the final say on settlement of their matter and not the court to decide.
Earlier, the Chairman OMMTA Caretaker Committee, Chief Stephen Aniagu welcomed the ESMDC Director and informed her of the traders Association caretaker Committee that handles civil cases.
He urged the Director to organise lecture or workshop for the committee member so that they will improve in handling of cases between traders.
Aniagu said bringing all the traders together will be a difficult task owing to the nature of their businesses and suggested the training should be done through the committee.
