CJN Reads Riot Act On Manual Communication, Court Processes Now To Be Served Electronically

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has set July 16 as deadline for stoppage of manual servicing of processes and other forms of communication with legal practitioners in the country.

Onnoghen at the formal presentation of the newly retrofitted Court and Legal Email, at the Supreme Court on Friday in Abuja, said, “I would like to implore judges and lawyers to join us on this quest for excellence by subscribing to, and acquiring the legal email, as manual forms of communication within the Nigerian courts will soon be phased out.

“Hence, lawyers who have acquired the legal email can now communicate electronically with the courts and with each other.

“However, by July 16, 2018, it becomes mandatory. The Supreme Court will only serve processes by electronic means and on all matters.

“Hence, all new filling as from July 16, 2018, must bear counsel’s email address.’’

According to the CJN, “to ensure compliance, it is also imperative that all other heads of courts acquire the legal email addresses for their courts, especially for their litigation department staff.’

“All courts are also encouraged to start using the email for serving lawyers. In addition, communication between the various judicial bodies will soon be through the official email system only.”

He charged the courts to harness the benefits of the system in terms of confidentiality, integrity and availability.

“I am delighted the email project illustrates how the justice system works better when the Bar and Bench work together to improve it.

“From the inception of the email project, the committee, of which the president of Nigeria Bar Association is a member, worked in tandem with the Bar to ensure the successful completion of what we are witnessing today.

“I trust that the Bar association will now drive the adoption so that the system will be fully operational within the period stipulated.

“The quick adoption of the system will enable us to move forward to implement and improve the other components that depend on it.”

The CJN further said the project was a milestone achieved in the quest to enhance justice delivery in the court.