By Prisca Sam Duru

The relevance of quality books in an evolving society cannot be overemphasised. It becomes even more essential when one considers a profession such as law, where practitioners never stop reading as long as they wish to remain relevant in their field.

Left;Donatus Okeke, Chief George Uwechue(SAN), Justice Sidi Baje, McCarthy Mbadugha, (Author) and wife Dr Chigozie Mbadugha during the book launch in Lagos.

With the view to increasing the number of quality materials that address issues regarding commercial arbitration in the law profession, a new book titled, ‘Principles & Practice of Commercial Arbitration’ by an expert in Maritime and admiralty law, international trade, oil and gas, commercial law and arbitration, Professor Joseph McCarthy Mbadugha, was presented to the public last week at the Four Point By Sheraton, Lagos.

Published by University of Lagos Press, ‘Principles & Practice of Commercial Arbitration’, a timely masterpiece, comes as Mbadugha’s response to growing challenges in the area of arbitration.

Graced by an overwhelming turn out of the author’s learned friends and colleagues including; Chief G.N. Uwechue, SAN, who was Chairman of the occasion; Justice Tijani Abubakar, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division;

Justice Sidi Baje, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division; Turner Ogboru Esq., representative of Chief Great Ogboru; Bedari Hari Esq, representative of Prof Offornze Amucheazi; Donatus Okeke Esq, representative of Dr Innocent Chukwuma OFR, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Ltd who was Chief launcher. The justices of the Court of Appeal came in their own stead and also represented the Honourable Justice Tanko Mohammed, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who was unavoidably absent.

Described as an avid researcher who has published extensively in several areas of arbitration in both local and international journals, Mbadugha’s book was highly commended by speakers who unanimously expressed its relevance in the contemporary society.

Chairman of the occasion, the Owelle of Ogwashi Ukwu, Chief George Uwechue recalled that Mbadugha did his National Youth Service Corps in his Chambers and was subsequently retained due to his excellent performance. “I saw in him a dogged and determined spirit and a passion for the legal profession. Even from those early years, I knew he would excel greatly in his chosen career.

He is very responsible and dependable and handled all the cases assigned to him with a sense of ownership and commitment to duty.” Chief Uwechue said. Continuing he said, “Having read his arbitration textbook, I whole heartedly recommend it to every lawyer that is keen on practising arbitration and avoiding the pitfalls.

It is a practitioners text that provides clear guidelines for drafting unambiguous watertight arbitration agreements and awards, commencing and conducting arbitral processes and enforcing awards. The book highlights the legal positions of the laws of different countries on knotty issues with a view to clarifying them. It is a book that should be on the shelf of every lawyer especially those keen on actively engaging in arbitration procedures.”

The reviewer, Professor Ofornze Amucheazi said the book cover provokes reader’s appetite adding that, “ It represents and demonstrates high standard of legal research and erudition. The Learned author has presented us with a continuum of provocative analysis which together provide a working blueprint for legal engagement in the critical areas examined in the book.

The end product of course, is a timely innovative and insightful work of very high academic quality that is conceptually and empirically rich and well researched.” “Essentially, the book analyzes practices and procedures of arbitral tribunals in commercial arbitration. It is an assemblage of a very richly researched work which was resourcefully written. I commend the author for the painstaking and diligent research he put into this work.” He said

McCarthy Mbadugha  said the book is a product of challenges that confronted him in his early days of involvement in arbitration. Endorsing the book, the Immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, Mr Nelson Ogbonaya described the book as coming from combined experience with combined background from Mbadugha a multitalented individual with an intimidating profile.

Emeka Okpoko recommended it for practitioners, judges, academicians, lecturers, students and businessmen. “You cannot practice without being equipped especially those in arbitration. All clients want is result and most times, they are more knowledgeable than lawyers.

You must read ahead so that as issues are unfolding, you navigate around them.” He said.  Until you have a practical encounter on a subject matter, you will never be an expert in that subject matter. There is no end to learning.

The book  being the latest on the subject matter, possess a link to intellectual and practical solutions to peaceful resolution through arbitration in this country. He encouraged the author who has made a commitment to begin planning for a second edition so as to meet with new developments in arbitration issues.