The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Ekiti State has written to the Police Commissioner, urging the stoppage of sitting of any court in the State, in view of the lock down order of the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, which was occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Ado Ekiti NBA Chairman, Olakanmi Falade, in a letter dated April 29, 2020, said the call had become necessary in view of the rumoured plan by the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti to begin sitting tomorrow.
The NBA chairman urged the Police Commissioner “to put a stop to any court sitting, until when the government deems it fit to reopen the court and suspends the lockdown.”
The letter read; “I have information from a reliable source that the Federal High Court sitting in Ekiti State wants to commence sitting tomorrow despite the lockdown order which is an executive order of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ekiti state.
“It is a known fact that as lawyers, we have been unable to access the courts for over a month now in respect to the order of the Executive Governor and to avoid spread of the virus.
“Let me believe that it’s a rumour, but no matter how unauthentic a rumour is, there are elements of truth therein. As lawyers, we have retired tour houses in respect to the government order and for the safety of our lives.
“To my mind, it will be a great catastrophe, God forbid, that after all the months of staying at home, the order is disobeyed and lawyers in a rush move to the court tomorrow and any unplanned news is occasioned.
“For the posterity and lives of lawyers in Ekiti, and those already on their way traveling into the State, we urge you to put to put a stop to any court sitting, until when the government deems it fit to reopen the court and suspends the lockdown.
“What urgency can be more than the protection of lives?
“I urge you sir to use your good office to protect the lives of lawyers in Ekiti and those planning to attend court sitting.”, the association added.
