Ebonyi State has inaugurated a Citizens Mediation Centre to offer alternative dispute resolution for its residents. The state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Ben Odo, highlighted this initiative while presenting his one-year scorecard.
Odo stated that the Centre has effectively facilitated the amicable and swift resolution of disputes, thus alleviating the burden on the formal justice system and reducing court congestion. So far, the Centre has successfully resolved 46 cases.
Additionally, as part of ongoing judicial reforms, the Ministry of Justice has concluded approximately 154 civil and 41 criminal cases, showcasing its dedication to efficient justice delivery.
“We trained and certified 20 law officers as mediators, arbitrators, and negotiators, enhancing the capacity of legal practitioners in the state and promoting alternative dispute resolution methods. This approach facilitates quicker and less adversarial dispute resolutions, benefiting the citizens,” Odo explained.
He emphasized that the Citizens Mediation Centre’s role in providing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms helps to resolve conflicts more amicably and swiftly, ultimately benefiting the entire justice system.
“The successful resolution of 154 civil and 41 criminal cases underscores our Ministry’s commitment to effective justice delivery. Timely case resolution is vital for citizens seeking legal redress and promotes a sense of fairness and security within the legal system,” Odo concluded.
