THE CADRI PLEDGE
I/We recognize that there would be disputes arising in different sectors as a consequence of COVID-19.
I/We believe that in view of the significant losses, both personal and economic that people have had to endure as a result of the ravaging effect of this pandemic, utilising adversarial dispute resolution mechanisms could significantly exacerbate the losses, especially in view of the challenges currently identified in seeking justice through litigation.
I/We know that non-adversarial dispute resolution mechanisms, otherwise known as ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ (ADR) mechanisms provide a more expeditious, efficient, and effective means for the resolution of disputes as they largely eliminate the non-financial costs, waste of time, delays, and damage to relationships, resulting from adversarial dispute resolution mechanisms.
I/We are aware that by signing on to the CADRI PLEDGE, I/We communicate to our clients, contractual partners, service providers, employees and the general public that I/We are committed to alleviating the losses and hardship attendant to the ravaging effect of the pandemic globally known as COVID19.
I/We also know that it is not compulsory to take the CADRI PLEDGE, before taking the advantage of the benefits of the CADRI scheme.
In recognition of the foregoing, I/We hereby endorse ADR and commit to the following statements of principles
In our agreements with other parties, to adopt and hereby adopt alternative dispute resolution as our first option in settling any dispute resulting from COVID-19;
To use the non-adversarial ADR means of dispute resolution, particularly negotiation and mediation, so that people can benefit from their advantages, which include promptness, cost effectiveness, and efficiency in resolving disputes;
I/We pledge to commit our resources to manage and resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation and other ADR processes with the view to establishing and practising sustainable dispute management and resolution processes, which would result in a consensual resolution of disputes;
Ensure commitment to participating in the ADR process in good faith.
NOW THEREFORE, in the resolution of any COVID-19 related commercial and contractual disputes, I/We PLEDGE to explore with all stakeholders, our partners, our clients, other contracting party/ies, our employees and/or others, the resolution of the dispute through negotiation, mediation, or other suitable non-adversarial ADR techniques before pursuing litigation.
THE CADRI PLEDGE
Funmi Roberts
Principal, Funmi Roberts & Co
Tunde Fagbohunlu SAN
Partner Aluko & Oyebode and Chairman of the Board, Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Centre.
Prof. Alero E. Akeredolu
Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan
