16th November 2020.

The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) has held a one-day sensitization program at Kano State Institute of Anti-Corruption. The training on Mechanisms for Alternative Dispute Resolution was attended by staff of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Jigawa and Kano State Ministries of Justice.  

The training meant to build the capacity of lawyers and other staff towards resolving Civil Disputes through Mediation and Negotiation without going through the litigation process. 

The facilitators of the training were Chief Emeka Obegolu Esq, who is also the ICMC President and Aisha Ado Abdullahi stated  that many Civil Cases such as land, marital, debt and other disputes had been settled through mediation. Through Alternative Dispute Resolution, parties in disputes have time to express their emotions, views and opinions without limitation until final decisions are made.  

Mr Emeka stressed that mediation and Negotiation had yielded a very positive impact on peaceful coexistence amongst people.  According to him, it is not a sign of weakness to adopt mediation; rather it is a sign of good faith. He added that for any person to be a good Mediator and Negotiator, he/she must have certain qualities. Those qualities include being a good information manager. Other attributes are settlement prompter, honest, impartial, Neutral, Respectful and most importantly, he must be able to exercise confidentiality throughout the dispute settlement process.  

The Kano State Attorney General /Commissioner of Justice Barrister M. A Lawan in his keynote address express his appreciation to the ICMC President for taking his time to be part of the training. The Commissioner of Justice assures him more engagement with the ICMC, as more of the exercises are expected. , The Honourable AG said Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation or Negotiation) have so far reduced the number of civil cases in courts. He urged the practising lawyers and staff to offer mediation to clients, but not to impose it, as the process is based on the consent of the parties to disputes.  

 In a statement by Barrister Muhiyi Magaji Rimin Gado the PCACC Boss, who was represented by the Registrar of Kano State Anti-corruption Institute: Barrister Zakiyya Haruna said  the objective of the training is to equip staff with the necessary skills in resolving civil disputes. According to him, criminal cases cannot be resolved through mediation or negotiations as it is the court that has the power to decide such issues. 

Among the people present at the program are Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Directors from Kano State Ministry of Justice, and Chairman Chartered Mediators and Conciliators Kano Chapter to mention a few. The Jigawa State Honourable Attorney General Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu sponsored ten staffs from jigawa Ministry of Justice to attend the training. 

In his closing remarks, the ICMC President promised the participants their Certificates as soon as its ready.  

Signed  

Zainab Baba Santali  

Public Relations Officer, 

Jigawa state Ministry of Justice.