The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, on Monday, has instructed courts to stop sitting till guidelines on the reopening of courts are issued by the National Judicial Council, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muhammad who is also the Chairman of the NJC was dismayed at the irresponsible opening of some courts, thereby risking the health of judges who are most vulnerable to the disease.
Recall that the NJC held its first virtual meeting on April 22 and 23, where a 10-man committee led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, tasked with strategies on how courts would continue to resolve civil, criminal and ecclesiastical disputes amid the coronavirus pandemic.
This week would see the lapse period for the 14-days period given to the committee to give a report on the task.
In the memo titled, ‘Re: Implementation guidelines for the containment of COVID-19 issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19’ and with reference number, NJC/CIR/HOC/II/658 May 2020, it was stated that only staff of the Grade Level 14 and above should return to work.
The memo addressed ‘All Heads of Courts/Judicial Bodies, Federal and State Judiciaries and which appeared on NJC’s website on Monday, the CJN said the committee was expected to recommend measures, including “how courts could leverage on Technology to hold virtual sittings or remote hearings.”
The memo also stated, “In addition, the National Centre for Disease Control had made an announcement to the effect that we are now at community transmission phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Furthermore, it is a fact that many of our judges and justices are in the high-risk category in terms of age bracket, resulting in many having underlying conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virulent manifestation of the disease once infected.
“Hence, we cannot afford to put them and their families at risk by allowing a haphazard resumption of court without clear Guidelines and Protocols that will safeguard the health and wellbeing of the judges, lawyers, court staff as well as members of the public.
“It is, however, observed that some Courts, without awaiting the outcome of the NJC Committee, have resumed and continued to conduct proceedings as if normalcy has been restored.
“It is for the aforementioned reasons that all heads of courts and judicial bodies are directed to continue to abide by the NJC Circular No. NJC/CIR/HOC/II/656, dated April 6, 2020.”
