Catholic Priest, Ugorji Calls For Speedy Trial Of Cases
Judicial officers have been advised to expedite the trial of cases before them or to consider utilizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods for issue resolution.
The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, gave the advice during the inauguration of a three-day Plenary Assembly of the Canon Law Society of Nigeria (CLSN) in Owerri.
He stated, “The well-known adage that justice delayed is justice denied rings true. Unfortunately, court proceedings in Nigeria tend to be protracted and often come with significant expenses, including substantial legal fees and costs for document filing, which frequently exceed what the underprivileged can afford.
“Moreover, there is a potential for miscarriages of justice, along with the risk of reputational harm and media exposure, not to mention the preservation of such matters in public records for future reference.
“Furthermore, legal battles conducted in court, rather than reconciling the disputing parties, frequently exacerbate animosity and result in a complete breakdown of relationships.
“In contrast to litigation, ADR offers a more affordable, swifter, less stressful, and more effective means of resolving disputes in a private setting.
“Common ADR methods include negotiation, conciliation, mediation, and arbitration, each varying in formality and the degree of third-party involvement.
“In negotiation, the disputing parties engage in direct communication with one another to reach a mutual agreement, without third-party intervention.
“It is clear that court trials can be rigorous, time-consuming, and sometimes costly, particularly in secular courts of law.
“For instance, during negotiation, conciliation, and mediation processes, parties play key roles in resolving their own disputes in a more flexible and amicable manner than court-imposed judgments, which may have undesirable consequences.
“This approach often leads to innovative solutions, enduring outcomes, enhanced satisfaction, and the preservation of relationships between the disputing parties.
“By addressing disputes promptly, ADR helps prevent them from escalating into larger conflicts, thereby promoting social stability and cohesion.”
