Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday advised Lagosians to embrace alternative dispute resolution in settling disputes rather than engage in self-help through violent means.
Sanwo-Olu gave the advise while commissioning two new offices of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre (CMC) at Iba and Ojo areas of Lagos.
“I will use this opportunity to appeal to all Lagosians to continue to seek the services of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre in resolving disputes that are within its competence to handle,” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to him, the new offices commissioned is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to institutionalize alternative dispute resolution through Citizens’ Mediation Centres and other government-owned agencies for proper dispensation of justice in all matters.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN posited that the new facilities and additional personnel will improve the speedy and efficient delivery of justice to the people within the axis.
While commending the CMC’s effort since its inception, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that over N1 billion have been received on behalf of Clients from over 44,000 cases it handled in 2019.
The governor also promised to add more centres to the additional 18 existing CMC offices across all 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State for easier access to justice.
In her address, Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, said the establishment of the two offices of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre is to bring Justice to the doorstep of the people.
Shitta-Bey assured that the state government will continue to fulfill its commitment to ensure effective administration of justice in the state.
The Chairman House Committee on Judiciary Representing OJO constituency I, Victor Akande, who expressed joy at the Governor’s gesture towards the residents of IBA and OJO axis, thanked Him for bringing the administration justice closer to the people, stated that the gesture will promote peace in the area.
“It gives me joy that disputes will be settled here instead of going to courts and this will ensure peaceful co-existence amongst the people.
While responding to the gesture of the Governor, the Chairman OJO Local Government Area, Rosulu Idowu Olusola, urged the residents of the axis to judiciously make use of the Centre in settling their disputes amicably without going to court, saying it is a rare privilege.
The Chairman assured that the community will continue to support the developmental plan of the State Government towards achieving a greater Lagos.
