The Delta State Arbitration Bill, 2021 has passed second reading at the State House of Assembly.
The Executive Bill, seeks to repeal an obsolete law which had existed since 1918, bringing it in line with present day realities.
Leading the debate during Thursday’s plenary, the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Ferguson Onwo, said the bill when passed, would help to restate and improve the law relating to arbitration pursuant in the state.
The Majority Leader explained that arbitration is an alternative process of settling disputes, adding that the bill was cost effective, time saving and encouraged goodwill.
In her contributions, the Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Pat Ajudua, said the bill would enable aggrieved parties to seek the help of arbitrators who they were comfortable with, to settle their disputes in a manner that would better suit them.
Contributing, Hon Reuben Izeze, representing Ughelli South State Constituency, said that the passage of the bill would give opportunity for public, privacy when needed as well as allow for fair hearing for both parties.
On his part, Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri, representing Ika North East Constituency, said the bill would also help to promote consistency in line with global practices and foster unity in the state.
Consequently, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly who presided over Thursday’s plenary, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori referred the bill to the Joint Committee on Rule, Legal and Judicial Services for further legislative scrutiny after passing second reading.
The committee is expected to report back to the Assembly on July 26th, 2022.