COVID 19: NBA Lagos Chair, Yemi Akangbe, Announces Suspension Of April Meeting, Urges Members To Adhere To WHO Recommendations

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch, Yemi Akangbe, FCI Arb has suspended the meeting for the month of April because of COVID 19.

This is sequel to the directives from Gov, Sanwo Olu led government.

TheNigerialawyer recalls that Lagos State Government on Wednesday suspended all public gatherings above 50 persons in the state for the next four weeks with immediate effect.

The chairman Yemi Akangbe, in his statement to the members of his branch, said the branch meeting for the Month of APRIL stands SUSPENDED until further notice and that the Branch will continue to monitor the situation and keep the members informed of further development as they unfold.

“In wake of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and following Lagos State Government’s directive to suspend all public gathering of 50 persons or more, it has become imperative for us , as a Branch, to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of our members. To this end, I implore us all not to panic but rather seek reliable information from authentic sources on modes of preventing and steps to take, should one observe any symptom of Covid-19.

“ In the meantime, we should consider working remotely, in order to avoid making the usual everyday contact that one would ordinarily make in the course of a normal day’s activity.

Health is wealth, they say.

“Please be informed that the Exco of the Branch has made recommendations to the Lagos State High Court and the Federal High Court to consider having all pending matters for 14 days from today, the 20th of March, 2020 (except urgent civil and criminal matters and appearances therein to be restricted to only counsel on record, with thermometer and hand wash facilities at the entrance of the Courts premises) and thereafter and then review the situation.

“ The High Court of Lagos State has informed the Exco of the Branch that it will consider our recommendation and issue some guidelines in due course.

“ The Admin Judge of the Federal High Court has promised to liaise with the Chief Judge of that Court and revert to us in due course.

He, therefore, appeal to the members to protect themselves and adhere to the guidelines provided by Who Health Organisation.

“ In the interim, I humbly urge that we endeavour to protect ourselves by being as careful and cautious as possible and to adhere strictly to the following World Health Organisation recommendations: Wash your hands frequently, Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose, Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, avoid crowded places,
Stay at home if you feel unwell – even with a slight fever and cough. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early – but call by phone first.

“We have no doubt that the appropriate Government authorities are taking the necessary steps to ensure our safety, but it is important that we also ensure our own safety and of those around us,” the statement.