Anambra Judiciary Enlarges ADR Committee To Broker Nkerehi, Umuchukwu Dispute

The Anambra State judiciary headquarters has approved an enlarged Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)committee to look into battery of litigations on Nkerehi community over the proposed new name – Umuchukwu to call their town.

The situation had been stalling the opening and inauguration of a state High Court built and donated by an indigene of the area.

There was a mixed sharply divided opinion within the Nkerehi community over plans by some natives to change the name to Umuchukwu, thereby throwing the area into crisis and social tension. This resulted in a multiple suits and counter-suits, such that development, peace and progress had been affected.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi had earlier on July 25, 2017 after a meeting with the Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA)branches in the State set up a committee aimed at finding solution to the impasse.

The Chief Registrar of Anambra State, Mr Lawrence Uzuodu in a statement issued in Awka listed three-point Terms of Reference, and “shall invite all legal Practitioners in all the suits that they discover pertains to the debacle”.

The Committee has been mandated to submit it’s report within 30 days from the date of its inaugural sitting, and would conduct it’s proceedings within the premises of Aguata Judicial division. The sitting place shall be open and accessible to the public.

It has 14 members comprised of legal Practitioners, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) as Chairman; Prof Ogugua Ikpeze; Mr Clifford Okoye -Chairman of NBA Aguata Branch; while a legal Research Assistant with the State Judiciary, Uche Aguolu is the Secretary.

Other include, Chief Ikenna Egbuna SAN, Chief Chris Ogom-Adimora, Chief S.U.S Mbanaso, Chief E.E Egbunonu, Ben Okoko, Chuka Obele Chuka, Chief S.U Anyia, Chineze Obiano, Mrs Helen Obi, Adaobinna Edozie and Deputy Chief Registrar -Chinelo Peters.

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