Abuja: A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), Mr. Mohammed Ndarani, has urged the Federal Government to settle Nnamdi Kanu and other agitators’ matters through a national committee of arbitration. Ndarani, a Grand Patron of One Nation for Asiwaju Support Group, who made the call at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, said this would lead to peace and unity in the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), ADR refers to any method of conflict resolution that takes place outside of the courtroom. It involves processes and techniques of conflict resolution without litigation and empowers parties to work together using a framework to amicably settle complex issues. Ndarani emphasized that the political atmosphere in the country was tense with tribal and religious issues being championed every day by some people who feel marginalized and aggrieved.
“In present times, early resolution of a dispute not only saves valuable time and money of the parties in the dispute but also promotes peace and unity. Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act and Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), provides that parties can explore alternative options for both civil and criminal matters. Like the treason matter involving Omoyele Sowore, leader of Revolution Now Movement and a presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and also the terrorism case against Bello Badejo, leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, both cases which were withdrawn, Nigerian government is commended,” Ndarani said.
He further stressed the need for the nation to seek further peace and unity. High-profile cases like Kanu’s evoke a lot of sentiments and are best resolved quickly to heal festering wounds. “Justice delayed is invariably justice denied,” Ndarani remarked, highlighting the prolonged nature of litigation in Nigerian courts and its deterrent effect on the willingness of people to seek justice.
Ndarani suggested that arbitration could help decongest the courts, which are currently bogged down by numerous cases. He noted that the role of courts is indispensable, but the process is often lengthy, necessitating the exploration of alternative dispute resolution more frequently. He advised the president to find alternative means of quickly resolving these worrisome matters to promote peace and harmony in the country.
The senior advocate urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, pointing out that he inherited an unjust society and that it’s challenging to reorganize a collapsed system. He also noted that Nigeria’s issues stem from a few elites prioritizing their interests. Ndarani advised the president to avoid such elites and focus on settling for the peace of Nigeria rather than seeking prosecution. “If Nigeria is peaceful, Tinubu will do well for the nation,” he stated.
Ndarani concluded by urging Tinubu to watch out for little foxes that spoil the vine while trying to hold Nigeria together as one indivisible nation.
