Judges’ transfer shouldn’t draw back trials – Lawyer

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Spurgeon Ataene, urged on Thursday that the transfer of judges should not stall trials by compelling the starting of trials afresh.

Ataene spoke with the newsmen in reaction to the recent reshuffling of judges in federal courts.

He described it as unnecessary, starting a trial afresh due to the transfer of the judge handling it.

According to him, such a situation would prolong trials, delay justice delivery, and burden litigants.

He advised that chief judges should incorporate in the rules of courts the continuity of trials in spite of the transfer of judges.

“There is actually nothing wrong with judges being reshuffled, as it will enhance productivity.

“This is because some judges get so comfortable when they stay too long in a place.

“Periodic posting of this nature becomes essential to stifle efforts of that environment in compromising judges.

”However, what is instructive is that the wheel of justice continues to grind.

“Those partly-heard cases should have a way of being continued without hindrance.

“Rules of court should be made to accommodate this process; otherwise, posting and reposting judges will eventually bring much burden on litigants.

”All federal high courts have the same jurisdiction; therefore, any matter commenced by a judge does not need to start afresh by another judge, provided there is substantial compliance with practice and procedure,” he said.

He said that, if well managed, reshuffling judges would bring about better administration of justice.