Anambra judiciary sets up c’ttee on communities’ name disputes

The Anambra State judiciary has approved an enlarged Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee to look into litigation between Nkerehi and Umuchukwu over the name of their town, stalling the opening of a High Court built by an indigene of the town.

This is a follow up to an earlier committee put in place on the 25th of July 2017, during a meeting between the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Peter Umeadi, with the chairmen and secretaries of NBA branches in Anambra State, aimed at finding solution to the impasse.

The Chief Registrar of Anambra State Judiciary, Mr Lawrence Uzuodu, in a statement issued in Awka, said the committee, which has a three-point terms of reference, “shall invite all legal practitioners in all the suits which they discover pertain to the debacle.

“The committee which is to submit its report to the chief registrar, within 30 days from the date of its inaugural sitting, would conduct its proceedings within the premises of Aguata Judicial division. The sitting place shall be open and accessible to the public.”

“The 14-member committee comprises of legal practitioners who include a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and has as its chairman, Mr Clifford Okoye, Chairman of NBA Aguata branch, while a Legal Research Assistant with the state judiciary, Uche Aguolu, would function as the secretary.

“Other members of the committee include, Chief Ikenna Egbuna SAN, Chief Chris Ogom-Adimora, Chief S.U.S Mbanaso, Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze, Chief E.E Egbunonu, Ben Okoko, Chuka Obele Chuka, Chief S.U Anyia, Chineze Obiano, Mrs Helen Obi, Adaobinna Edozie and Deputy Chief Registrar (Special Duties) Chinelo Peters,” the statement added.