A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, has urged the Federal Government to adopt Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as arbitration, conciliation, and mediation in resolving the case of Nnamdi Kanu and other political agitators, as a means of fostering national unity and reducing rising political tensions.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Ndarani, who also serves as the Grand Patron of the One Nation for Asiwaju Support Group, emphasized that peace-driven solutions are more effective in addressing complex political and ethnic issues than prolonged courtroom battles.

“In my opinion, the courts may not be the ultimate solution if peace must reign in the nation,” he said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should consider ADR mechanisms in addressing cases involving agitators.”

Ndarani noted that Nigeria’s current political climate is charged with tribal and religious sentiments, and stressed that amicable resolutions would help douse tensions, conserve public resources, and restore a sense of national cohesion.

Citing Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act and Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he pointed out that Nigeria’s legal framework already allows for out-of-court settlements in civil and criminal cases.

The senior lawyer commended the Federal Government’s earlier decisions to withdraw charges in high-profile cases, such as those involving Omoyele Sowore and Bello Badejo, the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

He described these actions as positive precedents that could guide the resolution of similar cases, including that of Kanu.
“Cases like Kanu’s are highly sensitive and evoke strong emotions,” Ndarani noted.

“Resolving them expeditiously through peaceful means will help heal deep-seated wounds and foster unity.”

He warned that prolonged litigation erodes public trust in the judiciary and impedes national reconciliation. He also stressed the practical benefits of ADR in decongesting Nigeria’s already overburdened courts.

“While our courts remain indispensable, the litigation process is often slow and protracted,” he said. “Arbitration and other ADR methods offer more efficient, inclusive pathways to justice and peace.”

Ndarani called on President Tinubu to establish a national arbitration committee to engage various agitators and stakeholders in constructive dialogue aimed at achieving sustainable peace.

“Arbitration can bring calm to the East, peace to the Middle Belt, and stability to other restive regions of the country,” he added.

On the general state of the nation, Ndarani appealed for public patience with the Tinubu administration, which he said inherited a deeply flawed system.

“President Tinubu met an unjust and dysfunctional society. Rebuilding it will take time,” he remarked. “Our problems stem from a few self-serving elites who place personal interests above national progress.”

He urged the president to remain vigilant against individuals he described as “little foxes that spoil the vine,” warning that such figures could undermine efforts toward national reconciliation and development.