Rivers
Foundation Plans Wildlife Preservation In Andoni
Mc author Foundation, an American organisation interested in wildlife, has indicated its interest in the preservation of Elephants in Andoni forest.
The Okan-Ama of Ikuru Town in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness King Aaron Ikuru who disclosed this in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt said the step would go along way in checking the incursion of elephants particularly in the forest spanning from Ikuru town to Oyorokoto area.
The royal father who revealed that the foundation had commenced discussion with one of the banks in Nigeria for collaboration, explained that when operational, the plan would generate employment opportunities for the people.
He said the elephants had remained one of the major concern of the people as they destroy farm crops, hinder fishermen from their smooth operations and sometimes attack and kill human beings.
King Ikuru further noted that preserving the wild animals would boost tourism potentials as elephants had in modern times became endangered species in the country.
“There were so many elephants before in areas like Akinima and Mbiama amongst others, but man with its destructive tendencies have killed so many such that you hardly find any elephants in these areas,” he said.
The Okan-Ama also said that when properly developed it would be a great tourist attraction to people from different parts of the world especially with Ikuru town having the largest beach in West Africa which covers 10-15km.
He commended organisers of the recent beach show and Egbelegbe cultural festival held in the area saying it brings unity and promotes the people’s rich culture.
The traditional ruler who harped on the significance of the festival remarked that “it makes us live like one family and it is a period when our sons and daughters come home from far and join those at home to celebrate, noting that the last festival was peaceful.
He however frowned at the blend of English and native dressing by some youths at the festival. Some more trousers and also tied wrappers which to me is hybrid nonsense.
Chris Oluoh
Rivers
Rivers CJ To Sanction Lawyers Who Refuse To Comply With ADR Compliance
The Rivers state Chief Judge, Justice SIMONE CHIBUZOR-AMADI has given an indication to sanction any lawyer who fail to comply with directive of a judge in the state to transferred a case to Rivers State Multi Door Courthouse for Alternatives Dispute Resolution.
Justice AMADI stated this during a brief ceremony held at the chief judge auditorium in port Harcourt Friday held to hand over certificates of operation to two private ADR chambers on Precarious Dispute Resolution Services and Harmony Arbitration and mediation center .
He urged the two private ADR centres to be diligent in the discharge of their duties and warned against compromising the standard of Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR but should observed the regulations set out in collaboration regulation by the state Multi Door Court House.
Earlier in a address, the Director of the State Multi Door Courthouse, VICTOR NWEKE esq, highlighted some of the achievements of the Multi Door Courthouse especially in decongestion of court rooms.
NWEKE while disclosing how the department certified the two private ADR centres called for serious punitive measures be taken against any lawyer who fail to comply with a case referred to Multi Door Court House by a judge or magistrates in the state.
In her acceptance speech on behalf of the two certified private ADR centres, ALICE NIMI commended the State Judiciary and Multi Door Courthouse for the approval and assured that all the rules and regulations spelt out will be followed.
In a related development; the Rivers State Judiciary has assured its readiness to collaborate with Nigerian Securityding Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in using Alternative Dispute Resolution to resolve some of the issues in their office.
The state Chief Judge , Justice SIMONE CHIBUZOR-AMADI made the promise when he received in audience the Zonal Commander of NSCDC, Assistant Commandant General, AYINLA TALYE OLOWO and his team who paid him a courtesy visit in his office , Friday where issuees ADR utilization took centre stage.
He used the opportunity to brief his visitors on the hurdles judges faces daily in the court room and the need for the decongestion of the court room , stressing that one judge handle more than three hundred cases but that if lawyers and litigants adopt ADR practice court rooms can be releive of the daily congestions.
The state Chief Judge however urged NSCDC to ensure a wider sensitization of the members of the public on the practice of ADR for a better awareness and knowledge.
Earlier in his speech, the Zonal Commander of NSCDC, Assistant Commandant General, AYINLA TALYE-OLOWO said the visit was to seek collaboration on the use of ADR in resolving some issues which he insisted would help decongest the courtrooms.
Our correspondent reports officials of the Rivers State Multi Door Courthouse led by the Director, VICTOR NWEKE led the team of NSCDC on a technical session where information on how to the fully in cooperated into the Multi Door Courthouse and operation of ADR will be emphasized.
Akujobi Amadi