Rivers Judiciary Declares Nov 5 Court Free Day

The Rivers State Judiciary has declared Thursday, November 5, 2026, a court-free day to enable members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, to participate in the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Nigeria.

The notice was signed by the branch secretary, Rachel C. Princewill, who urged members to take note of the decision and be guided accordingly.

According to the notification, the court-free day is intended to facilitate the participation of lawyers in the annual conference, which is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The conference is expected to bring together legal practitioners and other stakeholders in the administration of justice and the field of arbitration to discuss issues relating to dispute resolution and professional practice.

The announcement provides members of the Bar an opportunity to participate in the professional gathering without the usual demands of court proceedings on the designated date.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is a professional body associated with the promotion and development of arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Arbitration remains an important mechanism for resolving commercial and other disputes outside conventional court litigation, helping parties explore alternatives to lengthy judicial proceedings.

The annual conference is therefore an important professional engagement for practitioners interested in strengthening their knowledge of arbitration and related dispute-resolution processes.

Members of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch have consequently been advised to make the necessary arrangements to attend the conference on the scheduled date.

The notification reaffirms the branch’s commitment to keeping members informed of developments affecting their professional engagements and participation in activities aimed at advancing legal practice.

The Tide had reported last week that the NBA had appealed to the State Chief Judge to declare free days for lawyers during the conference.

** King Onunwor**