By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa Multi-Door Courthouse has processed 750 cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) since its inception, its Chairman, King Collins Daniel, has announced, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to providing a cheaper and speedier path to justice in the state.

King Daniel made this known on Tuesday during a press briefing ahead of the second edition of a policy dialogue on justice reforms, slated for Thursday in Yenagoa.

He said the milestone underscores the growing role of ADR in easing the burden on conventional courts.

King Daniel, who is the Conference Planning Committee Chairman, stated that the primary objective of the conference was to raise awareness among stakeholders about the Multi-Door Courthouse’s role in promoting efficient, cost-effective, and speedy administration of justice through mediation, arbitration, and conciliation.

“The conference will also provide an opportunity to examine the role of the Bayelsa Multi-Door Courthouse in advancing justice reforms through mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and other ADR processes,” Daniel said.

He noted that the maiden edition of the dialogue attracted wide participation from the Bar and Bench, the business community, traditional rulers, government institutions, civil society organisations, and other critical justice-sector stakeholders.

Describing the courthouse as a specialised institution established to facilitate amicable dispute resolution, Daniel said it has consistently provided citizens, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders with less adversarial and more efficient mechanisms for settling conflicts.

He stressed the need to deepen public understanding of these services and encourage greater use of ADR tools.

“We believe that through sustained stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue, the Bayelsa Multi-Door Courthouse will continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of a more responsive, efficient, and people-oriented justice system,” he said.

King Daniel used the occasion to invite members of the legal profession, judicial officers, public institutions, the business community, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, students, and the general public to participate in the ongoing dialogue.

“The governing council remains committed to strengthening access to justice and promoting a culture of peaceful dispute resolution in Bayelsa State,” he added.