LMDC begins out-of-court settlement of cases

THE Director, Lagos Multi-door Courthouse (LMDC), Mrs. Caroline Etuk, has said that between 150 to 200 cases have been slated for mediation in this year's Lagos Settlement Week (LSW).According to her, the cases have to do with contract, debt recovery, property, landlord and tenant disagreement, defamation and family matters, among others.Announcing the commencement of the LSW on Monday, she explained that complicated land and succession matters are not amenable to the mediation process and, therefore, would not be taken because the cases are given three hours to conclude.She implored litigants to approach the mediation table with a mind to settle their disputes amicably.Etuk said: 'Parties are expected to approach the mediation table not as 'a horse being dragged to the water' but purposefully to make a good attempt at reaching an amicable resolution of their disputes. The business of mediation and the dynamics of the process is one which gives the parties the power to create a solution to their dispute, which is qualitative and satisfying'.Commenting on the concern of some legal practitioners over the issue of mandatory referral, Etuk said attendance at LSW is an opportunity for the parties to explore settlement, not merely by negotiations with one another, but by the intervention of skilled mediators which guarantee better and speedier outcomes'.Her words: 'The parties are not deprived of their day in court. In the event of a non-settlement, the matter is returned to the courts' docket and the parties are at liberty to continue with the case in court'. According to Etuk, the Lagos State Judiciary is not deterred in its quest to embrace global trends in justice administration.'The entrenchment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is so central to the economic fortunes of the state. As a supplement to litigant, ADR can guarantee the evolution of an investment-friendly state, where the Rule of Law and the sanctity of contracts is upheld. It is the role of the Judiciary of Lagos State to promote and midwife the streamlining of ADR into justice administration and it has embraced this responsibility. The 2011 edition of the LSW promises increased awareness in ADR and more stakeholders' commitment to the process', she assured.The LSW is an initiative of the LMDC and the first ever settlement week in Nigerian history initiated in 2009. LSW has since become a part of the judicial calendar of the Lagos State judiciary.
Click here to read full news..