CJ, OCJ Okocha List Gains Of Rivers Multi-Door Courthouse

The Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi has said the newly inaugurated the State Multi-Door Courthouse (RSMDC) would enhance access to justice by providing alternative mechanism to supplement litigations in the resolution of disputes in the state.
Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, O.C.J. Okocha also said that the RSMDC would provide useful avenue to decongest the courts.
Justice Amadi said this while presenting his address during the inauguration of the multi-door courthouse at the Ceremonial Court Hall, High Court Complex, Rivers State Judiciary in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
He said that it would minimise frustration and delays in the justice delivery system by providing standard and efficient settlement of disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The CJ further disclosed that the RSMDC would serve as the focal point for promotion of ADR as well as promote the growth and effective functioning of the justice delivery system.
According to him, the journey for the establishment of the RSMDC started in 2015 with his predecessor, Justice Daisy Okocha (rtd) driving the wheels which gave rise to the enactment of the RSMDC Law in 2019.
“The Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse will help the state to resolve communal matters. The inauguration by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has provided fertile ground for good governance and access to justice and the realisation of the RSMDC in the state,” he stated.
The state chief judge called on lawyers in the state to cooperate and work with the RSMDC, saying that it should not be seen as a way of impoverishing the practice.
The CJ said the system would boost concerted efforts aimed at improving justice administration and dispensation in the state.
He expressed profound gratitude to the state chief executive for his support to the Judiciary and also for the inauguration of the state multi-door courthouse.
In their separate goodwill messages, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacheaus Adangor (SAN); Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, O.C.J. Okocha; the NBA Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch, Barrister Prince Onyenkwere; and Chairman, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Rivers State chapter, Mr Tonye Kurubo; commended the state Judiciary for the feat achieved in establishing the RSMDC, adding that it would provide avenue to decongest the courts.
They said that the RSMDC was not established to be in competition with the regular courts or to usurp the functions and responsibilities of the courts but to fast track resolution of matters without resorting to the courts for determination.
They further advised that the RSMDC must assert its independence and be transparent in other to attract public trust, adding that it has the potential to increase investment in commercial business in the state and attract public confidence.
They, however, expressed fear that attitude of lawyers may frustrate the good objectives of the RSMDC through contravention of its procedures and processes.