According to TVC News, Dr. Ope Banwo, a lawyer and political analyst, has spoken out against the abuse of court processes in Nigeria. He specifically highlighted the issue of lawyers seeking multiple judges to rule on the same case, which he believes is a despicable practice that undermines the integrity of the judicial system.
Dr. Banwo emphasized that if a party wants to file a stay of execution, they should return to the original judge who issued the ruling or pursue an appeal through the appropriate channels. He stressed that seeking multiple judges to rule on the same case constitutes malpractice and can lead to a breakdown in law and order.
Until a court rules on a motion for a stay of execution, the affected party should be allowed to assume their office, Dr. Banwo argued. He urged the Nigerian Bar Association to take disciplinary action against lawyers who engage in this unprofessional conduct.
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According to him, ”I think it is an abuse of Court process for Lawyers to be getting alternative Judges to be ruling on the same case. I think it is despicable and it is not good for our profession. If they are going to file a stay of Execution, they should go back to Justice Omotosho’s Court. That is the man that gave the ruling. So if you are going to file an appeal, you either ask for a stay of execution in an appeal court or before the Judge that issued the order.”
He stated further, “It’s malpractice for you to go to another Judge for them to be staying the order of a Court of concurrent Jurisdiction. It is a practice that the Nigeria Bar Association should really start disciplining lawyers for. Because it has the potential of leading to breakdown of law and order. There is nothing wrong in Edo State Government going to Justice Omotosho and saying they want things to remain in Status Quo. And I believe that until the Court has ruled for a motion of stay of Execution, Shaibu should be allowed to take possession of his office.”….Seē _ Morē