COVID-19: Malami says Nigerian courts to hold virtual proceedings
- The minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, has disclosed that court proceedings will now be held through teleconference
- Malami said the new development is to ensure that the judicial time lost to the COVID-19 lockdown is recovered
- The minister disclosed that judges will be sitting and maintaining social distance while lawyers would be interfacing with the courts through their digital devices
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, has disclosed that court proceedings will now be held through teleconference, using digital tools following the coronavirus outbreak.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Mohammed, had suspended all court sittings except in matters that are urgent, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Malami informed Premium Times in a statement on Monday, April 20, said the new development is to ensure that the judicial time lost to the COVID-19 lockdown is recovered.
He disclosed that judges will be sitting and maintaining social distance while lawyers would be interfacing with the courts through their digital devices.
Malami said technological tools would be used to conduct proceedings including virtual proceedings, which will allow justices/judges, parties and their counsel to connect through teleconference means.
In another report, the director-general, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has informed Nigerians that life won’t return to normal after COVID-19 pandemic. Ihekweazu stated this while speaking on a radio programme in Lagos on Monday, April 20.
He said that a return to the pre-COVID lifestyle, once the current restrictions are relaxed, could bring about a high resurgence of the infection.
PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet!
The NCDC boss also advised business owners to adjust their business model such that it is compliant to social distancing and reduces the level of interaction among people.
Bauchi governor stops plan to deduct from workers' salaries for Covid-19 fight amid anger and displeasure
He stressed that Nigerians must continue to adhere to precautionary measures of basic hygiene, respiratory etiquette, use of sanitisers.
In another report, the Akwa Ibom state government has concluded modalities to embark on mass testing of its citizens for coronavirus.
The decision is due to the spike in the number of confirmed cases in the state in recent times. As at Sunday, April 19, Akwa Ibom state had recorded 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Addressing newsmen on the same day, the chairman COVID-19 committee and secretary to the state government Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem noted that voluntary aggressive testing has become imperative in Akwa Ibom.
NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better.
Coronavirus: Nigerian student in China reveals how Africans are treated | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng