By Odeya Ogbetuo(Warri)
The Chairman, Warri Branch of Institute of Mediators and Conciliators, (ICMC), Chief George Owarieta, the Ogbodu of Agbon Kingdom has made case for the use of Professional Mediators and Conciliators in resolving conflicts just as he said legal actions should be used to promote peaceful co-existence in the society.
The Chief Executive Officer of Canewood Hotels, Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state stated this in Warri in a day’s refreshers’ training programme organized by ICMC to equip members to serve the public better. He said, the use of alternative methods in resolving conflicts have always been very productive and to a large extent, save cost ,noting that, to avoid waste of money in court cases and long litigation processes, Nigerians should make use of ICMC members that are readily available to provide them an avenue to resolve matters amicably.
He said:” It is much better to resolve conflicts amicably by using ICMC members available instead of involving in court cases and unnecessary litigations because, it is a waste of money”
According to him, Community leaders should invest more on the youths to promote peace and shun acts capable of creating crisis by way of using the youths to promote and achieve their political interest and ambition and later abandon them, He said, today, due this factor,many communities are riddled with quarrels, bitterness and conflicts saying, Nigerians must try to avoid this situation (quarrel or bitterness) created by the leaders and politicians.
Speaking further, Chief Owarieta noted that Mediators and Conciliators will set out agenda of how to resolve or settle conflicts or disputes through negotiations and create understanding as well adopt methods to take the matter out of court for amicable resolution.
He said: “We can also resolve matters or cases of inheritance and restore peace to the family”
He said, Nigeria looms large in the global initiative for peace and security as well as its promotion and maintenance in Africa. He however noted that internally, Nigeria systems have been riddled with unresolved issues which could have been settled peacefully and amicably with the use of mediators and conciliators.
The ICMC boss said the government and citizenry must play their roles as a mutual whole to guarantee peace and security in the nation, saying with that, there would be no much conflict thereby creating room for more growth and development in the society.
He therefore called on individuals and government at all levels to make use of mediators and conciliators to decongest the courts and prisons as well as prevent prolonged legal tussles.