By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
The Federal High Court of Nigeria, has issued a new practice directions on the use of its newly introduced Electronic Affidavit (E-Affidavit).
The Chief Justice of the court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho maintained that the essence of the practice directions was to ensure an efficient, transparent and prompt issuance of E-Affidavits in compliance with global best practices.
He said the directions would not only protect the interest of litigants and other users who desire the use of E-Affidavit, but also regulate standard of issuance of E-Affidavit upon payment of prescribed fees.
On how the E-Affidavit regime would be implemented, the court, stated: “Without prejudice to the provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 and the Oaths Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010; all E-Affidavits of the Federal High Court shall emanate from the designated E-filling Unit of the Court.
“The E-Affidavit shall be in an electronic format with such specialized features as approved by the Court.
“The application shall be made online from the official website of the Court.
“The E-Affidavit software would be implemented by the E-filling Unit under the supervision of the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation).
“For the purpose of swearing to an E-Affidavit under this provision, a deponent to the E-Affidavit shall upload his application electronically through a platform approved by the Chief Judge.
“A task force shall be set up under the hand of the Chief Judge to give effect to this innovation.
“The cost of each E-Affidavit shall be as approved and/or reviewed by the Chief Judge from time to time.
“The Honorable, the Chief Judge may review this Practice Directions and/or issue further directives upon any prevailing circumstance.
“The E-Affidavit shall not be a replacement for the manually sworn affidavit.
“The aim of these Practice Directions is to ensure data protection in a user-friendly automated system of deposing to E-Affidavits,” the court added
