COVID-19: Families Of 72 Newly Appointed Senior Advocates Of Nigeria Won’t Be Admitted Into Inauguration Venue

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has said that in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols, families and well wishers of the 72 newly appointed SANs won’t be allowed into the venue of the inauguration ceremony to hold December 14.

The statement by the Director, Press and Information, Supreme Court, Dr Akande Festus, stated that the directive was to ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 regulations.

According to Akande, the inauguration of the new SANs to be presided by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, would be part of the events marking the official commencement of the new 2020/2021 legal year of the apex court.

He stated that the CJN would also, at the event, give his report of the state of the judiciary and present the scorecard of the Supreme Court in the outgone legal year.

Akande added that the number of dignitaries and other stakeholders who would be admitted into the venue would also be limited.

He, however, stated that the court’s foyer would be available for those who would be barred from entering the venue.

He added that interested members of the public would be able to monitor the events live on various media platforms

The statement read, in part, “However, in strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocol, spouses and friends of the 72 newly appointed Senior Advocates will not be allowed into the Courtroom as was done in the past. Similarly, the number of dignitaries and other stakeholders will equally be limited as the crowd will not be allowed inside the Courtroom.

“Thee court’s foyer will be handy to accommodate those who will not be admitted into the Courtroom, as the programme will be streamed live on the giants TV screens that are placed in strategic positions within the Court premises.

“For those that will be in their respective homes and offices, they can as well watch the various programmes live on YouTube, Twitters, Instagram, Facebook, Zoom and other social media platforms, as we are ever poised to make everyone have a feel of every single event.

“The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria will, as usual, give the state of the judiciary address and also present the score card of the Supreme Court in the outgone legal year, while keeping the nation abreast of the developments in the Nigerian judiciary.”