FBy sleeknews
The Administrator of National Judicial Institute, Abuja, Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi on Monday implored journalists to report correctly and without bias the activities of Nigerian Judiciary as Nigerians goes to election.
Justice Abdullahi who gave the charge while declaring open a two days training workshop for members of National Association of Judiciary correspondents at the NJI, Abuja, said that accurate and balance reportage is needed to complement the important role judiciary is playing in the sustenance of democracy in the country.
“I must not fail to emphasise that fair and balanced reportage of Judicial proceedings will shore up public confidence reposed in the judiciary, It is my hope and belief that this Workshop will in no small measure, aid judicial correspondents in the daily discharge of your responsibilities, he said.
He described the workshop as apt, and “indeed relevant in light of present and emerging developments in the polity, especially as we approach an election year, wherein the media will be playing a key role in this all-important democratic process.”
The administrator assured that the Workshop will among other things provide a platform for participants to deepen discussions on how best to achieve a fair reportage of judicial proceedings before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
He added that the Workshop will help enlighten participants on the workings and recent innovations in the Judiciary, including attendant challenges encountered by the Judiciary.
The administrator reminded the participants that democracy is dynamic and as such Journalists are encouraged to be in tune with the current and emerging developments not just in the judiciary but in the society at large, as freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (as amended).
Justice Abdullahi said that the Judiciary is an indispensable partner in ensuring the stability of governance in this country.
The Judiciary as an important stakeholder plays a critical role in ensuring and entrenching sustainable solutions to daunting legal challenges especially as it affects the smooth running of government in Nigeria.
“As such, it is important that journalists covering the Judiciary must be circumspect in reporting genuine and credible news. To this end, it is expected that judicial correspondents regularly fact check their information before reporting same to the public.” he added.
The administrator expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, for graciously approving this Workshop and for his support for all the activities of the Institute.
Earlier in speech the Chairman National Association of Judicial Correspondents Kayode Lawal had stressed the importance of continue training of journalists and judicial officers.
Kayode Lawal also called for financial autonomy for state judiciary adding that the continuous denial of state judiciary of their financial autonomy is a violation of Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999( as amended) that should attract impeachment.