Coronavirus Pandemic
A traditional ruler in Ogun, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, has commended the judiciary for adopting virtual court proceedings through teleconferencing, in response to social distancing, occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ogunleye, who is the Towulade of Akinale, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
He said this was a step in the right direction, considering the ravaging coronavirus pandemic, saying that the country had embraced one of the best global practices.
According to the royal father, who became a lawyer at the age of 73, such strategy will enable the public to attend court hearings as spectators, reporters or partakers, thus giving room for transparency.
He, however, urged stakeholders to ensure adequate provision of all necessary facilities that would make the courts function well.
Ogunleye also called for the training of judges and other judicial staffers on modern technologically-driven tools.
“For the courts, the video conference is more appropriate, because there will be link for the operatives and correctional centres for evidential statements.
“Government should ensure that facilities, such as adequate power supply, are provided to enable the equipment function optimally, while all categories of operatives should also be properly trained.
“However, appropriate law should be made to back up the innovation before it becomes subject of legal tangle,” he said.
The monarch also commended some schools for engaging in virtual learning, saying this would ensure that students were kept abreast of their academics during the lockdown.
“I receive participatory lectures and discussions in class through zoom and whatsApp in my university too. It is an interesting way to learn,” he said.
NAN reports that some courts across the nation had commenced virtual sittings, following the COVID-19 pandemic. (NAN)
– May 8, 2020 @ 15:55 GMT |
Tags: COVID-19: Monarch lauds virtual court proceedings seeks provision of adequate facilities
