Wike suggests alternative dispute resolution to electoral disputes

The governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has suggested the introduction of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the settlement of political conflicts, after major elections.

He noted that ADR would help to reduce the level of bickering, time and resources expended on cases at election petitions tribunals, Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court.


Wike spoke yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Rivers governor said: “We, as politicians, have been discussing how we can introduce ADR in settlement of election matters, without going to the tribunals.

“The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators can play a role in the introduction of ADR to election disputes. It will reduce bickering, it will reduce cost and time spent at the tribunals, Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court. In other words, there will be more time for governance.

“It is a major issue that we should put our heads together to see how it will be possible to introduce in election matters, as issues to be resolved through ADR.”

Wike also described Rivers State as safe for investments and tourism.

He claimed that Nigerians and expatriates had already disregarded politically-motivated false insecurity reports being sponsored by the opposition, hence they allegedly troop to the state for conferences.

He reiterated that the Niger Delta state, in the last four months, had played host to the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Rotary International and the West African Architects Fair.

“Check the crime index in the country, that of Rivers State is quite low. It is lower than other major states. Go to Lagos and Kaduna states, they have higher crime rates than Rivers State,” the governor said.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Mrs. Mainnaya Essien (SAN), had earlier stated that the institute chose Rivers, because the state was safe, with modern amenities to host international events.

Essien noted that Rivers state would be promoted as a major destination for ADR in the country, on the same standing with Lagos and Abuja.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators’ conference will hold between November 10 and 11, 2016 in Port Harcourt.