‘Why judges should consult admiralty books for speedy trial of maritime cases’

Maritime operators and industry lawyers have urged judges to make reference to Essays in Admiralty books for speedy disposal of maritime cases.The Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Oil and Gas Company Limited, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, among other who spoke at the launch of Volume 3 of Essays in Admiralty Key Issues in Shipping from a Global Perspective” written by a maritime lawyer, Mrs Jean Chiazor-Anishere, called for frequent reference to the maritime legal book.

Iheanacho said, Essays in Admiralty Volume 3, dwelt on key issues in shipping from global perspectives, which would go a long way in tackling issues in the maritime industry.
“As I quoted in one of her publications, the maritime industry involves deep waters and only the bold should venture to swim in it.“I dare say that the author’s doggedness in sharing her love for the maritime industry through the instrumentality of these great books, is dedicative of her astuteness and bravery,” Ihenacho said.He described Auta as a dedicated man, saying that the jurist deserved the merit of the honour and recognition, which was being bestowed on him.

The Author, Mrs Jean Chiazor-Anishere, said she dedicated the third edition of the book to former Justice Auta for being one of the most impartial and humane judges.“He is an extraordinary and intellectual mortal and I recall the words of Harold Laski in his classic correspondence with Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes where he stated that he wished that people could be persuaded to realise that Judges are human beings.

“”This would be a real help to jurisprudence. Judges are required to carry themselves in an extraordinary manner, which reflects the integrity of their office,” Chiazor-Anishere said.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs Dorothy Ufot, said that the books were collection of papers on issues in Admirality, saying that Volume 1 was an Introduction to the shipping industry, while volume 2 offered ways of sustaining the shipping industry.Ufot said that the third volume covered a global perspective and best standards in shipping.

Justice Auta said that there was need for a review of the Admiralty Laws in Nigeria, and commended the author for dedicating the Volume 3 of the Admiralty Essays to him, adding that the book would go a long way in solving maritime-related disputes.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and maritime lawyer, Mrs Funke Agbor, said the Essays in Admirality Volume 3 were a compilation of 16 thought- provoking and stimulating articles, 14 of which were from the rich tapestry of Chiazor-Anishere.She said the author has unveiled how the concept of Blue Economy can be advantageous to developing countries.

“The Blue Economy has been described as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improve livelihood and jobs, while preserving the health of marine and coastal ecosystems.

“Blue economy also encompasses many activities such as renewable energy, fisheries, tourism, aquaculture and maritime transport, to name a few,” she said.Agbor said that Chapters 15 and 16 contained International Law and its Effects on Maritime Activities as well as Ship Financing.