Rivers
Okrika Diocese Anglicans Mark 10th Anniversary
The Diocese of Okrika, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous evangelism in Okrika communities and beyond.
Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Tubokesimie Abere who said this Thursday at Okrika as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Diocese, also said that the Diocese epitomized the genuine love of Christ.
Rt Rev. Abere said that the Diocese of Okrika is Bible-based, spiritually dynamic, united, disciplined, self supporting and committed to pragmatic evangelism.
The Bishop said that the Diocese which started with only four Archdeaconries now has an additional Archdeaconry and three Deaneries with twenty new churches planted in even the most distant parts of the Diocese.
“The Diocese has not relented in ensuring that its vision and mission are fully achieved.
“Thus the Diocese has during these years made a frontal attack of opening churches in every Okrika community and settlements, while a number of others have been nurtured to parish status”, he said.
Other achievements made by the Diocese according to him, include; the completion of the Bishop’s Court and chapel complex, the acquisition of land for various diocese projects, while most churches are now wearing new look.
Bishop Abere said that the Diocese had nursery, primary and secondary schools while the Okrika Grammar School handed over in 2009 by the state government is being run by the diocese.
The Bishop described the anniversary as unique, saying “to whom much is given, much is expected. The diocese of Okrika is ten.
“Therefore, this is the beginning of all things to indeed attain the perfection needed in all aspects of endeavour.
“We promise to do our best and to ensure the growth of the diocese spiritually and physically in the years ahead”, he said.
Activities lined up for the celebration include; fasting and prayer, exhibition, symposium/lecture, fund raising, book presentation as well as thanksgiving service.
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