Group tasks CJN, NJC on speedy justice system

Firm donates palliatives to Lagos, others

A human rights group, Access to Justice, has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to mandate heads of court to develop sustainable policies and programmes to leverage information technology system.

The group said failure of the judiciary to turn to modern technology had considerably impaired the delivery of justice during the period of Coronavirus pandemic. A statement jointly signed by the Convener, Mr. Joseph Otteh and the Project Director, Mr. Deji Ajare, said there was need for information technology systems, such as electronic filings, tracking, communication and notification, certification, among others.

The group, which reiterated the use of electronic tools for trial of cases, particularly appellate cases, and ensure the continuity of court business where possible in the coming weeks, especially for cases involving fundamental rights and the liberty of citizens, cases touching on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic itself, and other time-sensitive cases, also admonished the CJN to consider a substantial reduction of the yearly vacation period of courts for the 2019/2020 legal year.

It, therefore, urged the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), federal and state governments, alongside National and State legislatures to support any reforms that the judiciary may embark upon in the use of technology for delivering justice by appropriating adequate funds for this purpose, and ensuring that those funds are put to effective and prudent use.

In another development, to support the fight against spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a leading furniture company, Vava Furniture Nigeria Limited, has donated 2,000 relief food boxes to the Lagos State Government, Zion City of the Living God Church, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Noella Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

The Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Michael Tawadrous, who spoke at the handover ceremony at Lagos Ministry State of Agriculture Warehouse in Oko-Oba, Agege, said the firm deemed it necessary to identify with the efforts of the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, the church and the foundation in strengthening measures towards containing the spread of the global pandemic in Nigeria.
particularly in ensuring that the people have food as they comply with the presidential lockdown order in the states.